Is that the sweet smell of Aloha?
There’s so many ways a North Shore trip can end badly. And, it isn’t just the waves on that radical 10-click stretch, just 40 minutes from Honolulu airport. If you don’t know the local etiquette, your world can go pear-shaped real quick. Stab visited Kamalei Alexander at the Backyards Sunset house he shares with Makua Rothman, Marcus Hickman (the best surfer at Pipe, says Andy Irons) and his brother, Kala. (For the full interview and more crucial advice, buy Stab #39, out mid-December.)
STAB: Do you have some vital advice for the Hawaiian novice?
KAMALEI: First up. I don’t blame anyone for living here or coming here. But, people have to have respect for the locals. You respect people who respect you. Second, you need a board that’s big enough to get you out there and get you in. I reckon 95 percent of surfers are on the wrong equipment. Too big or too small. Third. By dusk, you wanna be in on the beach. Four. Go to the beach with as minimal amount of people as possible. It’s hard to get mad at someone who travels one or two deep.
Is it wise for the average Australian tourist to throw out the wonderfully whimsical Hawaiian shaka?
Shakas are all good, but no bro’s or brah’s. You say, “Hi, how are you?” Guys will say in the lineup, “Sorry, bro”, “What’s your problem, brah?” Brah? Bro? Who the fuck you talkin’ to? I aint your fucking bro and I ain’t your brah. Fuck you! But shakas are good.
Can you fuck up a handshake?
I’m pretty much the proper palm to palm, firm grip. For me it’s critical. I don’t want to squeeze anyone’s hand too hard and I don’t want to shake a limp fucken noodle. There is a fine line. You can tell a lot from a handshake. The bro shake is too fucking complicated. If I see someone going like this, (Kamalei performs a complicated shake) I’m like, fuck you. Also, if you give someone the nod it’s all cool, but don’t put your chin up in the air. That’s saying, “I’m cool, fuck you.” Putting your chin down is respectful. You look at someone and put your chin up, it’s like what you wanna fight. It’s a fine line.
If someone kinda stares at you in the water, is it okay to offer a welcoming hello?
Yeah, for sure. Life is too short; the world is too small. Luckily, I’ve been blessed by surfing to see a lot of the world. Like I said, I don’t blame anyone for being here. It’s fucken gorgeous out there. – Derek Rielly.
Posts: 64
Reply #64 on : Sat March 20, 2010, 14:29:30