The Big Surf Auction

Aloha surfers and beach goers!

You’ve heard the saying “something’s better than nothing.” Well, that’s been our mantra the past two weeks. The forecast has been … and is … minimal. The typical 3-foot town swells have been plenty. Yet, we get spoiled quickly and now we must have 4-footers. After those … 5-footers — please. Thank you!

Actually, this is an excellent time to head on over to the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and check out the classics and collectables. I’m not talkin’ cars — I’m talkin’ surfboards! I’m talking surf art and surf legends galore … It’s the Quiksilveredition Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction! It’s just a single day, so you gotta be on it to get it. This Saturday (7/23) the “Galleria” doors will swing open at 11 a.m. for the casual and curious … A silent auction goes from 2 to 4:30 p.m. But the hard-core auction will start at 5 p.m. in the Pikake Room. You have to buy “a number” to partake in the real deal. It’ll be the world’s largest auction of surf memorabilia, Hawaiiana and surf collectables. Being a part of the show will not only benefit you, but will also benefit the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s “Junior Guard Program”! Don’t let anyone say to you, “You should’ve been here yesterday.” … The main man, Randy Rarick, has outdone himself again as this year promises to be the biggest and best yet. There will be about a dozen surf authors on site to meet and greet and autograph their books, including the one and only Greg “the Bull” Noll … Stuart Coleman, with his classic story of Eddie Aikau … Fred VanDyke’s many classics … Dr. Ricky Grigg … Mike Doyle … Mike McPherson …and many others! The surf culture just seems to get richer with each passing year, and this is such a wonderful way to celebrate it. Surfing is so much more than sport.

If you want to get a jump start on the fun, then hit the Green Room Gallery Thursday nite, 6- 9, on Queen Street next to Tropical Blend Surf shop. This will feature some of the awesome artwork that will be in the BIG event on Saturday. Surfers, as a group, tend to be artistic … and you’ll agree once you see John Severson, Mike Doyle, Mike Field, Jon Damm, Chris Lundy et al., as well as the industry’s best photographers! …

We’re in South Africa now (7/18) on the Fosters ASP Pro Tour, at a spot called “J-Bay” (short for Jeffrey’s). It’s not just the longest and best “right” point break on the entire world tour, but it’s simply one of the longest and best in the world. Nature has us waiting for good conditions at the moment, but by the time you read this we’ll likely have a winner. This win will have a big impact on who will likely be fighting for No. 1 going into the Vans Triple Crown. Go to www.surfnewsnetwork. com to see the results and ratings.

Your prayers, please, for Hawaii’s very own legendary surfing son — Tiger Espere. Tiger has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which has spread throughout his body. He recently began the difficult process of chemo and radiation therapy. You can send Tiger your aloha with cards and letters to: Tiger Espere, room #741, c/o Queens Hospital, 1301 Punchbowl, Honolulu, HI. 96813. We wish you well, Tiger!

Mahalo for turning these pages and tuning in! Stoked to have you here! We’ll see you at the auction and in the surf!

I’m GQ dropping in 4 U!

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