Story of shakalohana

One day in the summer of 2006 everything changed

After surfing the largest wave of my life, I should not have paddled out for more. Waves were scrapping under the Venice Pier. It was around fifteen feet in size, with massive closeout waves, classic Venice waves

To make a long story short, I got pounded four times to the point of death by drowning, fifteen-foot-sized waves smashing me on the head. While trying to survive the rip current, getting dragged along. Thank God the leash did not snap while tombstoning my board

To make a longer story shorter, I survived, and sat on the beach, while the salt water was coming out of my nose and mouth. I questioned myself and began to review my life

"Today could have been my last"

"One day could change your life, one moment could change your life"

"What is the most important thing in my life, if I did die... Yes, my relationship with Jesus: God... and my family... and my friends..."

Shaka means "Peace" in Hawai'ian

Aloha means "Love" in Hawai'ian

Ohana means "Family" in Hawai'ian

shaka + aloha + ohana

There you go, shakalohana, for life

“Man in Black” Johnny Cash