Stab Store: The Sunny Garcia Tee

In re-launching the Stab Store, we wanted to figure out a way to give back to a man who gave surfing so much. Being that we’re in the thick of the Hawaiian winter, there seemed no cause more fitting than that of Sunny Garcia’s. Sadly, due to recent events stemming from a public battle with depression, the World Champ and 6x Triple Crown Winner is recovering from a coma. We ran a Stab Interview with Sunny back in September which included some amazing archival photos courtesy of the Letamendia Family.

At the blessing of Sunny’s family, we’ve done a limited edition run of 100 tees including this photo of Sunny. 100 percent of proceeds will be directed to Sunny’s recovery fund. We invite you to donate directly here https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-sunny-garcia-and-family. 

An excerpt from the (Lost) Stab Interview with Sunny Garcia: 

Stab: What does a surfer need to be more comfortable in Hawaii? What do they need to do?

I don’t know about being comfortable. I’m never comfortable. I just think, looking comfortable and assured. 

My idea of looking comfortable is to look at any photos of Tom Curren surfing Pipe, Sunset, or Haleiwa. To me, that’s my ideal: you should look comfortable, and Tommy, until this day, you put him in any waves, he still looks comfortable—very powerful drawing out lines, as opposed to just…

You can either look like a lion or you can look like a kitten. I think a lot of guys look like kittens.

[laughs]

Very few lions.

That’s amazing.

The guys who look like lions, those are guys that tend to excel in events. Those kittens, they’re just still aspiring to be lions. I’m not saying this as a bad thing. Eventually, you outgrow that or—

Or you don’t.

Yes, like nature: kill or be killed.

[Laughs] That’s so good.

Yes, I’m looking forward to watching. I’m heartbroken that I don’t get to compete this year. The first time since 1986, I won’t be competing in Hawaii. But, I’ll be on the web watching. [chuckles]. Like everything, sad circle of life, man.

Maybe that will drag you into the commentary booth to spill some truth. Probably not.

I’m sure I’ll go up there. I’m going to show up later and heckle people for sure.

[laughs]

I think that’s a must from all of us older guys. Showing up and giving the younger guys a hard time. 

I like to give all these younger guys a hard time, and it’s not so much trying to punk them out in a bad manner. It’s more just trying to give them the little extra push, to help them man up and become the surfers I think that every guy on tour should be. I think the better one person is, it just kind of draws everybody along. So, I just pass the knowledge.

I think every single one of the guys on tour is capable of being a real champ. It’s just… I think the difference is confidence, really. If you could feel that way all year long, in every single heat.

For every surfer, your talent can only take you to a certain level. But man, if you really believe in yourself mentally, you can take your level way higher. Most surfer’s biggest downfall is the fact that they’re not confident. 

Throughout my whole career, I was like, “Fuck, I don’t give a fuck, I’ll kick your fucking ass.”

[Laughs]

I knew I was a better surfer. For me, that was where my longevity came, because I knew what I could do. I was confident with what I could do. 

I loved needing a score with a minute to go, because for me I was never like, “I won’t get the score.” I was like, “Fucking give me the waves, give me the fucking waves!” 

Thank you Sunny, we appreciate it. Any final thoughts?

Over the years, a lot of people are like, “Ah fuck him, he’s cocky da da da da da“. I say shit because that’s what I believe. I love surfing. I love watching the young guys do well. I love seeing everybody making more money and fuck, I’m glad I ever got to be part of it. 

For me, you know, it’s pretty incredible to be a surfer. I always said I enjoy surfing because I enjoy surfing, not because I get paid or anything. You know? I’m off tour and I don’t get paid… but I still get to go surfing, you know? It’s my life, I love to do it.

Read the full (Lost) Stab Interview with Sunny Garcia here. 

And head here to buy a shirt and donate to a good cause.