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LAHIKI OLA MINAMISHIN

LAHIKI OLA MINAMISHIN

INTERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION AND PHOTOS BY JEFF HO

Dubbed ‘Little Man’ by his coach Christian Budroe, Lahiki, the NSSA Hawaii State Surf champion, is known for his smooth style of surfing. He conducts himself with the style and integrity of a sophisticated young man. Unlike the surf skate style of the ’70s when the pedal needs to hit the metal, Lahiki shreds. Lighting slashes, cat like moves and futuristic airs make his surfing and skating cutting edge for the new millennium. Look for him to mob the barrels of the North Shore this winter.

“I’m from the big island of Hawaii.”

So tell everybody where you’re from.
I’m from the big island of Hawaii.

How old are you?
I’m eleven.

How long have you been surfing?
Six years. My dad started me out, and I have been coached by Tonino.

Who coaches you now?
Christian Budroe does.

Who are your sponsors?
Christian Surfboards Hawaii, Ocean Pacific, Zephyr Skateboards, Body Glove, and Electric sunglasses.

I understand that you’re the Hawaii State National Scholastic Surfing Association champion.
Yes.

So what, you won everything?
[Smiling] Most of the contests.

What division are you in?
I surfed in the mini-groms this year, ten and under. I was ten when the season started but I’m eleven now.

[Laughing] Crazy. How did you do in the nationals?
I got second.

Did they burn you?
Um, Nah, not really.

Where was the championship held?
Lowers. Lower Trestles.

What was the surf like?
The swell was up all week, for the whole contest.

How big was it?
Hawaiian style, 4′ – 5′.

Faces four times as big as you, huh?
[Laughs and nods] There were some bombs.

Is this your first time to California?
Oh, no, it’s my third time.

What did you do on your first trip?
The Volcom. It was earlier this year.

How do you like California?
It’s cool. Christian took us all over. We went to Venice, Watts, Huntington, San Clemente and San Diego.

Sounds like quite the trip. What did you do?
We surfed, skated, went to the Wave House in San Diego and visited friends.

What parks did you skate?
We skated the Venice Lincoln ramp, Venice Beach, Volcom Park Costa Mesa, San Clemente Park and the parking lot at Huntington Beach.

How did you like the Lincoln Ramp?
The ramp was sick, but I didn’t like the wood surface. It’s slippery. I liked the ledge at Venice Beach better.

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