DAVE’S STORY I first arrived here in the Honolulu via a ship called the USS Reeves. I was in the Navy and we got homeported here from Japan. Our ship was old and needed some much repair, it was to the point we lost power out in the middle of the ocean twice and we were dead at sea. It may not seem scary but a US war ship in foreign waters put all of us on high alert for sure. Well after we dry dock I was able to live off base in Pearl City. I didn’t have much money and I wanted a car and I found an old beat up Honda Civic Hatch back. Since It was a rust bucket I just painted right over some of the big spots just to make it a little nice looking. I made sure I did the maintenance on the engine at the autobody center on base. They have lifts you can rent by the hour and I did the maintenance on it, good thing the older cars are easier to work on. One evening I had a date with a girl that a friend introduced me to, my first date in Hawaii I was pretty stoked. I Suggested we go to Kam drive inn, I’ve never been to a drive in Theater and since I had a car I was asking her with a whole lot of pride. “Yeah I got a car, I can take you to the drive in”, mind you I was 19 or 20 at the time. We get to the drive in pull up to the on of the stall and I reached over at this metal device and I thought is was a speaker you set up in the car, but my date explained I need to hook it up to my antenna and turn on the Radio. I said “WHAT I NEED A RADIO?!” I didn’t have a radio that works, I didn’t have the money for one yet. How embarrassing that was, so we found a stall that had a family with their speaker blaring from the back of their truck. That was my first date in Hawaii and first experience at the drive in, super embarrassing at the time, but I can laugh about it now.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH:
to surf a solid 2 - 3 hours before work every day depending if there is surf. I’m also a 3rd degree black belt in Kajukenbo, I free dive and spearfish when it’s flat, used coach high school wrestling for 22 years but I resigned in 2011. I go running, bike or hike to stay in shape during the flat spells.
Matthew Ha What advice would you give someone who is just starting out surfing? Keep at it, you can’t learn to surf in a time frame it takes years. You don’t really learn to surf in as much as you become a surfer. When that happens you are always learning to surf every time you go out. You’re always looking to pull off that maneuver or getting that perfect wave and ride.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had surfing? One time this past summer me and Gregg (surfs the same break) had the spot to ourselves and it was just rolling in. One after the other with him and I taking turns a solid 3 feet and just perfect. We started getting really tired since we were out for almost 3 hours and the sun was burning. We decided that we’d go in when the next surfer came out, we didn’t want to leave and waste all these waves. We kept seeing surfers come out but they kept going to the other breaks. Finally one guy came out and couldn’t believe it was this good. First time ever we wanted someone to come out to the lineup, we ended up surfing for almost 5 hours.
What initially got you into surfing? I’m the youngest of 3 brothers and we grew up in Waikiki and the whole south shore. My older brothers started surfing at around 8 yrs. old along with all the neighbor kids like the Kealoha Brothers, China Uyemura. I just followed along but I really got into at 12 when the short boards came into the picture. I’ve always liked to go fast and got hooked on the rush and excitement of it all.
Tell us a funny story from your time surfing. Me and my brother were surfing Lahaina Harbor back in high school days. After riding a wave and paddling back out he comes up to me and says to paddle in cause he saw a shark and not to say anything. We paddle halfway in and then he yells “Shark!” Why didn’t you warn them when we were out there I ask. He tells me “don’t ever forget you don’t wanna be the last guy in”. That’s why I like it when there is at least one other person surfing with me, cut the odds.
Do you have a surfing idol/role model and why? I didn’t at first but now I do, Kelly Slater. He’s humble and compassionate very professional and he’s exceptional. There’s good and expert and the best...exceptional is 10 degrees above all of that. But most of all he’s an old fart (in pro-surfing standards) and he still can kick the sh*t outta these young punk professionals. He pulls off things the younger guys haven’t even dreamed of.
What do you think makes a good surfer? A person who will inspire you and give you tips instead of making fun of you. Give you waves even though he/she is the heavy at the break. Willing to share his/her expertise and knowledge. I always like to meet new people and share the day of surf with. I’ve always thought several guys at the break are really good surfers because they can rip yet they’re humble and friendly and willing to share the waves and vibe at the break.
What gear do you use? What are your favorite boards/fins? Right now I just got a hold of an 6’-0” Mayhem V3 Rocket which I’m trying to figure out. So far it’s been great but we haven’t gotten too big of swells lately so I’m still R & D it. Best board I’ve ever owned was a Mark Richards twin fin back in 1978, but I’ve had a Merrick Weirdo Ripper for the past 2 years that is now my favorite board but I’ve had to retire it cause it’s all buss up. The V3 rocket is supposed to replace it, I’ve also got a Merrick 6’-2” No. 4 as a step up. Right now I’m using the Mayhem thruster setup on the V3 and I had K2 quads w/ knubster on the Ripper which worked really well for me.
Can one learn to be a good surfer? Or are you born with it? You can always be a good surfer because a good surfer is a State of Mind. A surfer can rip and be good but is a jackass. So what is a good surfer, A surfer who is good and can rip but is an A**hole or a surfer who is good and can rip but is a really nice person. What is your favorite place to surf and why? My favorite places have been, Lahaina Harbor, Lahaina Break wall, Honokau, Honolua, Paradise (Hyatt Kaanapali), Maalaea, Mudflats, Log Cabins. But the break I like to call home now is 1st holes. I’m thinking I’d like to expand and tryout
Outside of surfing what do you do for work and or fun? I just made 36 years as an Heavy Engineering Estimator with Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company. My job is great and my work hours and my boss allow me
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Big Rights and the left at Americas. When it’s big on the south shore I’d like to visit Pops my old break when I was an 8th grader.
WHEN YOU SHOP WITH US YOU’RE SUPPORTING LOCAL!!
Anything else you’d like to add? I started surfing when I was about 9 or 10 years old and stopped cold at 22 years old once I started working full time and got married. For over 28 years I didn’t even touch the water then I suffered a catastrophic injury that almost took my life. I got back into surfing to get back into shape and to heal. Don’t ever stop surfing, it’s the one thing I now regret that I did. Surfing will help you heal both physically and emotionally. The ocean has healing powers and the energy from the waves, wind, sun will heal any and everything. Once surfing is in your soul don’t ever give it up.
This section, I started a number of months ago for several reasons. First I wanted to give you a background of “Who” the brands are versus “what the brands are. But the most important reason is, I wanted for you to know when you buy from us you’re supporting local. Not only because you’re buying from us, a local business, but you’re also support the Local people behind the brands. Most brands hire a local sales representative or they have a distributor on island that warehouses and delivers locally. So if you’re one of the many that’s concerned about supporting local, then be assured when you shop with us you’re doing just that.
SPENCER CHANG
In this month’s interview I had a chance to catch up with Jay Vierra. Jay is Joey Vierra’s brother whom I interviewed last month. The two brothers among the hardest local reps I know. I have a lot of respect for them and how well they do a tough job that requires among other things knowing how to prioritize and be organized.
The High-Ankle Sprain By Spencer Chang, MD Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon at Straub Clinic and Hospital 2014 ASP/Triple Crown Orthopaedic Consultant WSL Orthopaedic Consultant
What Brands do You Currently Rep? Bubble Gum, Surf Wax, Bushman Surfboards, Creatures of Leisure, ES Watersports, Gath Helmets, Rainbow Sandals, & Watermans sunscreen.
In the last article, we focused on the typical lateral ligament ankle sprain. At least in the realm of elite surfing, the high ankle sprain has become much more common. Most of us will not experience this injury. But if you attempt full rotation air-reverses, you are at risk for the high ankle sprain.
How Long Have you Been Reping For? I’ve been a sales representative for the past 15 years. Hawaiian South Shore is Honolulu’s go to ocean sports headquarters- so having product in HSS mean a lot.
Recently, John John Florence had to pull out of the Fiji Event because of a high ankle sprain from trying to land one of his crazy airs in Brazil. This injury is sustained when the ankle is planted and the rest of the leg rotates inward, or the leg stays still, and the ankle rotates outward. As you can see, it probably won’t happen unless you do crazy rotations. Stick to the rail, and you probably won’t get this injury.
Tell me a Little Bit About Each Brand and What You Like About Them? Creatures of Leisure is the most innovative premium surfing accessory brand in the world and I couldn’t be more stoked to be apart of their sales force. For over a quarter of a century they have been putting out quality products and are constantly striving to make their product superior.
Unlike the typical lateral ligament sprain, the high ankle sprain tears a ligament between the two bones of the leg (the fibula and tibia), specifically the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament in most cases. Sometimes the injury is so severe that it tears more than just this ligament, and all of the ligaments between these two bones are torn. This usually requires surgery. The majority of cases involve the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. We call this a syndesmosis sprain. This injury does take longer to heal than your typical ankle sprain. Compared to the typical ankle sprain, it occurs in only 0.5% of all ankle sprains, and 13% of all ankle fractures. Depending on the severity of the injury, the high ankle sprain usually requires a period of immobilization in a cam walking boot or a cast for 2 – 3 weeks. I usually allow weightbearing, but some orthopaedists recommend non-weightbearing. The recovery can take twice as long as a standard ankle sprain, but is variable.
What is Your Role? My role as a sales representative is to introduce new product, obtain orders, manage inventory levels and provide product knowledge to staff so they can educate customers on all the features the product has to offer. Is Working with Specific Brands Harder or Easier than Working with a Wider Range of Products? I’ve been working with multiple brands since day one. It’s all about being organized and focused. I like to call it “controlled chaos”. How Long Have You Been in the Surfing Industry? What Roles Have You Had? Where Did You Grow up and How Did You First Come to Surfing? I’ve been involved in the surfing industry since I was a teenager. I surfed professionally for over 10-years and represented a number of companies. Towards the end of my professional career I got involved with sales. I’ve been working in sales and distribution since then. * I was born in Baltimore Maryland. I moved to Hawaii in 1980 and quickly fell in love with surfing. My family moved to the north shore in 1983 and that’s where I planted my roots.
I’ve had football players recover as quickly as 2.5 weeks, and some athletes take up to 8 weeks or longer. The key to a quick and complete recovery is early detec-
Did You Always Know You Wanted to Work in the Industry? Or Did it Just Happen? I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. It took me 10-years to finish college because I had no real direction. I would go to school for a year and then take time off to go on a surf trip. The only thing I knew I wanted to do was surf and travel. One day my brother asked me if I wanted to rep for Slap On Art. I was like- sure. Soon after that I picked up Rainbow Sandals and from
tion. Don’t just think you have a minor sprain and leave it alone. It is important to get it immobilized so that the ligaments can heal in a proper position, and rehabilitate the ankle appropriately. Next time you get a high ankle sprain from missing your full rotation air-reverse, call us at the Straub Bone and Joint Center at 522-4232. Just say Dave from Hawaiian South Shore Sent you! Also, if you have anything you want me to discuss on upcoming newsletters, shoot me an e-mail at Skychang@straub.net.
there things just snowballed.
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If you Came Across a Young Person Looking to Get Where You are in Your Career What Advice Would You Give Them? Do what you love and love what you do.
visit every time. On the other hand, pushy salespeople whose focus is on “making the sale” rather than educating the customer will undoubtedly turn people away. Anything Else You’d Like to Add? Mahalo & Aloha!
What in Your Opinion Brings People Back to a Store or Brand? Also What is Most Likely to Turn Them Away? I think knowledgeable staff that are sensitive to a customers needs will sell the return
THE REVIEW SECTION Thank you very much for all the comments and reviews. We are 100% committed to knowing what we sell. We get training from our suppliers but I believe getting reviews from all our members is the best possible way of really knowing what’s working. So please keep on sending them in!
Great for duck diving, not so great if I rub my leg or arm down it...got rug burn on my leg. Minor adjustment after the second session, but interesting thing. Overall I’m super stoked on the board, thanks!!! Brian F.
In last month’s newsletter I had an article about Natto...actually I wrote about Natto for the past 3 months and I’ve been getting a lot of feedback. The following email is from Dawn R on the article from last month’s newsletter. I’ve published it here with permission.
The ONE Board Quiver The most versatile board for all Levels of surfers and Any Weight Class. Are you looking for that One board that does it all? One that can surf small knee high to double overhead waves in any type of condition?
“I know we are probably not supposed to reply to the Newsletter, but I did want to mention that I agree with you 100% about Natto. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to eat Natto every night, and thus they don’t get the same benefits. Natto is
Then the Hayden Shapes “Hypto Krypto” model is the one for you. It’s fast and loose enough on small days but stable enough on big days to handle double overhead. The wide front outline has a good amount from the nose rocker just slightly back from the nose to allow for late take offs. Right under the chest it has plenty of width and volume for floatation to easly paddling into the wave early. The nose area is Kinda like a retro fish. The tail is pulled in like a gun to keep it stable on big days and the rails are pinched to give it bite. The bottom from the nose has a very slight single concave and rolls into a Vee out the tail for speed and hold. This is one of the most versatile boards for all levels of surfers in any weight class. No wonder this board has been Voted 2 years in a row as the board of the year. It’s the most in demand board in the world wide.
full of vitamin K-2, and can be found on Amazon, among other places. One bottle I bought was 100% natto as the only ingredient. Vitamin K-2 is the beneficial ingredient in Natto and is good for all the benefits you mentioned and more. I learned about this from Dr. John Whitcomb in a very detailed presentation that can be found on YouTube. It is explained Natto so well was well worth the hour spent watching it. After hearing Dr. Whitcomb, who comes with a boat load of credentials, I take one K-2 pill every morning. Check it out!” Thanks for the good articles! Stay wet, Dawn Thanks Dawn for letting me add your comment to the newsletter.
If you travel you’ll see more Hypto’s in the water than any other board. We get them in one type of construction and in two different types of glassing. The construction is an EPS foam with no stringer with carbon fiber rails. The board is designed to flex and twist. The multi directional fiberglass give it strength. The Glassing comes in the standard epoxy glassing or the Hydroflex glassing which costs about $100 more but you get double the strength. Hydroflex is a special type glassing called 3D glassing, the fiberglass and resin is infused into the foam, the bond is like a root of a tree. Making it stronger and it won’t delaminated, so if you leave your board in the car during the summer no worries it won’t delam like other boards. Plus they use a very high quality resin that has UV inhibitors in it, meaning it won’t yellow as easily.
The world’s Strongest board, Hard to ding, has a 100% waterproof core plus it surfs, floats and flexes like a regular surfboard. This summer by Far the Lost Puddle Jumper model for small waves from Libtech is our #1 Selling small to medium size wave board. I don’t think we’ve ever had a board in our 19 years that’s sold this well.
Reviews
To top it off we get the strongest glassing possible from Hydroflex, called DuraX. It’s normally used for Kite Surfer that jump high into the air and land on the boards so paying that extra $100 for a board that is way strong may well be worth the investment.
Aloha guys! Here’s some feedback on the Puddle Jumper I picked up on my birthday last month. Had it out for 5 sessions. Works best for me as a thruster. When you go to reset the board after a big turn, the combo of the wings and the thruster make it snap back and power to the next maneuver. As a quad it was just too loose at that
We’ve made 19 years!!! Man I can’t believe we’ve made it this far. In the beginning we had a tough time trying to get the brands we wanted. A lot of reps took the chance on us even though they were getting heat from other shops not to open us as an account. But they believed in us like you believe in us and that’s why we’re still here. Thank YOU very Much. Since it’s getting
critical moment for my taste. The name Puddle Jumper suits this board very well. I am making flatter sections I definitely would not make on another board. When you give this thing some gas, it really takes off. When it’s on a rail, there is a ton of power you can tap into. The wide squash tail, at speed, on a big turn is a little tough to complete, but I just have to really mean it, and no issues. I’ve found that the skin of the board is really grippy when it’s wet, not slippery like a tufflite surftech board.
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WHAT’S INSIDE? Page 1 David’s Story Member of the Month
Page 3 The Review Section Birthday Special
Page 2 Spencer Chang When You Shop with Us
Page 4 Wet Suits HSS Credit Card
cold and rarely do we have a sale on Wetsuits I wanted to show my appreciation by giving you 19% off on all wetsuits. Just come in between Nov 10th - Nov 15th and tell one of the Staff Members “Happy 19” and they’ll hook you up. This deal is only for our members, so if you received this newsletter from a member and you’re not a member join and I’ll hook you up. Matuse has a slim fit which is good for big days. The smooth rubber cuts the wind. it is currently represented by many big hitters in the industry.
Straw Hat Wetsuit Reviews say it all for Straw Hat. This suit had the softest feel ever. Super warm in the coldest wind and water. Broken in feel from day one! - Garry J I love my zipper-front, long-sleeve wetsuit top. It’s a little tight in the waist, buts thats more b/c I’m a little wide in the waist rather than any defect on the top. I also like to wear it w/ the zipper open if I get too warm while I’m out. -Anna M
Creators & Innovators
It is the best wetsuit ever. No break-in period, super comfortable, very warm and high quality. You get what you pay for and then some. I stay out longer with no rash problems. Best warranty ever, hands down. -Elton Y
Vissla is a brand that represents creative freedom, a forward-thinking philosophy, and a generation of creators and innovators. We embrace the modern do-it-yourself attitude within surf culture, performance surfing, and craftsmanship. This is a surf-everything and ride-anything mentality. We are creators and innovators.
Fits like a glove and moves with my body. Most other wetsuits I’ve tried were to restrictive or so flimsy they didn’t even keep you warm. This StrawHat wetsuit is perfect for Diamondhead Dawn Patrolling. Thanks! Mark L. It is great - Super flexible and worth the money. - David F. A bit late in reply, but if I were to recommend the Straw Hat Wetsuit to Surfers, I would to all of them. Yes it’s pricey, but worth it. The suit is light in water, warm and if the sun happens to come up, the suit isn’t unbearably hot. Good stretchy area to the arms, not too much drag, good pocket for keys/wax (anything else that you can fit in the sleeve pocket) Now all I have to see is how durable the wetsuit is for time and wear and tear. Mahalo for your tips to care for my wetsuit! - David L
The 6-months interest free Hawaiian South Shore credit card is one of our most popular ways of getting a surfboard. As long as you make monthly payments or pay it off early you pay no interest. Yes if you do miss a payment it’s a high interest rate, but you can make payments online and set up auto pay. For details stop by the store or call us it takes less than 10 mins. to get approved.
100% Made in Japan Front Zip for easy on and off YKK made in japan zipper (does not hurt when paddling) Super Soft for Unbelievable Comfort 2mm Smooth Skin Rubber to cut the wind
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