Spotlight Series: Gavin Iwai

The Spotlight Series is back! In this Series we like to share some of our Spotlight with wave slide culture enthusiasts from around the world. This week we are spotlighting a wave rider from Hawaii. So in this Spotlight Series we would like to introduce, Gavin Iwai. Read up on him below.

Photo: Zack Dougan

Name?

Gavin Iwai


Where are you from? 

Kaneohe, HI



How long have you been wave riding?

Since I was about 10 years old

Photo: Ryan Beppu

What got you into wave riding?

Just love the ocean as a whole. If itʻs an activity with water, Iʻm game.  Getting barreled and pitted has got to be the best view/feeling in the world.



How long have you been riding?

Since I was about 10 years old


Amateur or Professional?

Amateur


What's your go-to board (surf,bodyboard, paipo, handplane) size and shape in any condition?

Bodyboard, 40", Crescent Tail, Double-Stringer with Mesh. Science Bodyboard Pro styles are my favorite. 


Favorite board color combo?

Anything mixed with black (my favorite color)



Favorite Breaks or Surf Spots (Can choose not to disclose/reveal these breaks, but just be general, ex. Mexico, Portugal...)?

Sandy Beach, Makapuʻu and Renex

Are there any wave riders you used to look up to growing up? Anyone you considered a rival to you? 

Mike Stewart. No rivals here.

Photo: Sash Fitzsimmons

Any word of advice for up and coming wave riders?

Just enjoy life and be happy, especially in the lineup. Patience is key, especially when trying to perfect a trick. Try and try again. 

Any projects that you have coming up that we should keep up an eye out for?

No upcoming projects. I mostly just ride for the thrill of it. Feeling the stoke each and every time.

Photo: Shane Gracey

Any shoutouts to friends, family, sponsors?

Sandy Beach Surf Crew (they know who they are), Mynakyne Clothing Co., True Honor, and HIdentity





We just wanted to give a special thanks to Gavin! If you wanted to follow more on Gavin check out his Instagram at @oceannmotion  . Also if you would like to get featured on our Spotlight Series, just send us an email to info@okshoots.com

Spotlight Series: Kainoa McGee

This week's Spotlight Series feature is a Waterman that is highly respected on any type of wave riding craft, from Bodyboards to Surfboards to Standup Paddleboards. He charges big waves and has help pushed the boundaries of what can be done on a wave craft. He is one of the Wave Slide Culture's living legends and has also been and continues to be an influence to a generation of wave riders. It is our honor and pleasure to present our Spotlight feature of the week, Kainoa McGee.

Photo: Unknown

 

Name? Kainoa Kalama McGee

Spotlight Series: Joel Benavente

How's it guys! This week's Spotlight Series Feature is a wave rider hailing all the way from Guam, Joel Benavente. We've been honored to have a variety of people from all different places in the world participate in our Spotlight Series and Joel is one wave rider that continues to help push the stoke in the Wave Slide Culture. We are also honored to help spotlight the Guam surf community. So please enjoy the Spotlight Series on wave rider Joel Benavente.

Name? Joel Benavente aka "Swell" @joelswell

 

Spotlight Series: Omar Leon

This week's Spotlight Series feature is a wave rider from San Diego, California. Our featured Spotlight is Omar Leon. He is a wave rider that has continued the long list great wave riders that come from the city of San Diego. From all of the crew here at OkShoots we just want to say thanks for participating in the Spotlight Series and that please everyone enjoy our Q and A segment with Omar Leon.

Name? Omar Leon

Where are you from? South San Diego, California.

Spotlight Series: Kellen Yamasaki

How's it going everyone, sorry for the lack of updates on the blog we will be trying to get more updates on here so bear with us. Well once again its that time of the week again for this week's Spotlight Series and for this week we are spotlighting wave rider and OkShoots Ohana, Kellen Yamasaki. Enjoy this Q&A with this young up and coming rider. Chee!!!

Name? Kellen Yamasaki

Where are you from? Honolulu, HI

Spotlight Series: Chris Monroe

Hey guys, this week's Spotlight Series Feature is wave rider Chris Monroe. We have been a fan of his since the old Crysis Bodyboarder Magazines, he was one of those guys that would charge big, but with style. We wanted to spotlight him because of how much fun he has in the water. If you're looking to see how much fun, just check out his Instagram. He rides everything. Here it is our Spotlight Series feature with Chris Monroe.
 

 

Name? Chris Monroe @beefsofficial


Where are you from? San Clemente, CA

Spotlight Series: Brennan Rose

We here at OKSHOOTS are all about that Wave Slide Culture, where it doesn't matter what you ride or how you look, as long as you're having FUN. For this week's Spotlight Series we feature wave rider Brennan Rose who rides anything anywhere. To us he's one Rad guy and we say thanks for taking the time to participate in our Spotlight Series and enjoy guys!

Name? Brennan Rose

Where are you from? I’m from Long Beach, CA but live most of the year in Hawaii.

Spotlight Series: Kevin Jimenez

This week's Spotlight Series features a native Californian, who is as stylish as comes when wave riding. This week's feature also spends part of his time helping to defend our country in the US Navy. Please enjoy this week's Spotlight Series feature on wave rider Kevin Jimenez.

Name? Kevin Jimenez

Where are you from? San Diego, California

What got you into the sport? My older brother Marc and Mike Stewart. Also, the hungry pack at Seaside Reef and Marine Street. 

Spotlight Series: Noah Wright

This week's Spotlight Series features wave rider Noah Wright, who hails from the Big Island of Hawaii and charges waves whenever he gets the chance. Enjoy the feature on a wave rider you might be hearing from soon.

Name? Noah Ikaika Manawelea Wright (IG: @nativewrights)

Where are you from? Big Island, Hawaii

What got you into the sport? Ever since I first got barreled on a wave, I’ve been hooked ever since. 
It’s such an indescribable feeling.

Spotlight Series: Lilly Pollard

For this week's Spotlight Series, we have World Champion wave rider, Lilly Pollard. She has persevered through an injury and has continued to push Women's wave riding to new levels. We here at OkShoots would just like to say she is among our favorite wave riders to watch and we look forward to seeing more amazing things to come from her. Please enjoy and read up on her and maybe you'll find something that may help you in your wave riding.

Name? Lilly Pollard

Where are you from? Cronulla NSW Australia 

What got you into the sport? I used to follow my brothers around doing everything they did... Anything fun, from playing with Star Wars figurines, Lego, footy, cricket, beating each other up haha, then when we moved near the sea, we all got into the surf. My bro Jono is a pretty sick DK rider, he actually competed in the world tour event at Avoca, in like 1997 I think it was?

Spotlight Series: Jade Robles

For these week's Spotlight Series we spotlight Oahu's Jade Robles. She is one fearless wave rider charging some waves that even some of the best probably wouldn't charge, plus she's got a smile that's pretty contagious and shows that she enjoys what she does. Please enjoy and learn about this week's wave rider. 

 

Name: Jade Robles

 

Where are you from: Kaimuki, Oahu

 

What got you into the sport? I always loved to be in the ocean and transporting a bodyboard in comparison to a surfboard was more convenient to me because of its size. It allowed me to get to the beach quicker (not have to strap a board down on racks etc.) and just being inspired by local favorites (Melanie Bartels, Louisa Hoover, Kepa Kruse and Allen Mahuka)

 

How long have you been wave riding? 15 years 

 

Amateur/Underground or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surfing, Surfmat, Bodysurf, etc.)? Once competed as an AM and PRO but now  #ALLFORFUN

What's your go-to board size/core/tail shape? 38.5 Custom Toobs Ten 

 

Favorite Breaks (Can choose not to disclose or reveal locations)? On the NS

 

Any words of advice for up and coming wave riders? Understand etiquette. guys-let the girls get sets too. girls- be out there like you want it (the waves that is) and don't drop in :)

 

Shout outs/Sponsors? Always family,Toobs bodyboards, MS Viper Fins and Honeygirlwaterwear, all photogs that shoot the boogie for the love (Hauoli Reeves, Ryan Beppu, Aaron Mizushima, Manny Vargas and the rest) Mahalo OKshoots for the plug

Spotlight Series: Andre Botha

This week's Rider Spotlight is one of the most stylish and influential wave riders in the world. We have Andre Botha. We would just like to say thanks for taking the time to do a little mini interview for our Blog. Please enjoy and maybe you'll end up knowing something that you never knew about Andre Botha. Thank you again!

 

Name? Andre Botha

 

Where are you from? Born in Cape Town and raised in Durban, South Africa

 

What got you into the sport? I was always attracted to the ocean, which is easy when you grow up on the coast.  It started at a very young age, swimming in the ocean and playing in the shore-break, it's a feeling I can always remember enjoying.   I joined Jr. Lifeguarding soon after and it proved to teach me a lot about the ocean. 

How long have you been wave riding? More than 25 years.

 

Amateur/Underground or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surfing, Surfmat, Bodysurf, etc.)?

Professional Prone 

What's your preferred board size, core, and tail shape? A Red 42 Crescent Tail.

 

Favorite Breaks (Can choose not to disclose or reveal locations)? Pipeline, Fronton, Cave Rock and of course, Teahupo'o 

Any words of advice for up and coming wave riders? Don't leave your trash on the beach and if you see any trash on the beach, than do your best to pick it up.  

Shout outs? Obviously my sponsors because without them this would not be possible.  Empire Bodyboards, 662Mob, Ally Swimfins!  And to everyone who has supported me and believed in me throughout the years.

Spotlight Series: Jeffrey Hubbard

For this week's Rider Spotlight, we feature Jeff Hubbard, one of the world's premier wave riders. Jeff is known for being able to get some of the biggest airs on a bodyboard. Below we asked just wanted to ask Jeff a few questions and hopefully there are answers that you may not have known about Jeff. Again we would like to extend our thanks to Jeff for taking the time to participate in our Rider Spotlight segment. Enjoy!
 

 

Name? Jeffery Hubbard

 

Where are you from? Lihue, Hawai’i

How long have you been wave riding? I have been riding waves for 28 years.

Amateur or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surfing, Surfmat, Bodysurf, etc.)? I am a Professional Bodyboarder.

Favorite Breaks (Can choose not to disclose or reveal locations)? My favorite break is Pipeline.

Any words of advice for up and coming wave riders? My advice for anyone is to have fun, smile, and enjoy the whole experience from the car ride to the beach, to jumping into the water, and to eating afterwards. It never gets old and should be done with a smile and with friends.

 

Shout outs? Thank you to everyone!

Spotlight Series: NIcola Lugo

Name? Nicola Lugo (Instagram: @nicolalugo)


Where are you from? I was born in New York City. I was a sick child and my Mom moved to us south Florida for a better quality of life which turn my conditions around and surrounded me with warm clean water.As a child, I was constantly getting sick. My Mom decided to move us to South Florida for a better quality of life, which helped turn my conditions around. It also surrounded me with warm cleaner water.


What got you into the sport? My Family has a fifth generation beach house in Long Branch New Jersey so my backyard was a slamming shore pound. I was on a boogie as soon as I could walk and I never let go of that boogie, no leash it’s just part of me now.


How long have you been wave riding? 35 years and still charging and not planning on stopping anytime soon.


Amateur or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surf, SUP, Surfmat, etc.)? Haha is there such thing as a Pro Bodyboarder. I think that it’s just a fairy tale that you can tell your kids to keep them stoked. I’m mostly a Dropknee rider, but ride prone when I feel like I can’t make the drop.



Favorite Breaks? El Hoyo!!!


Any Shout outs? Shout outs to my boys at Six Magazine; Evan Fa, Simon Dale, and Dylan Palmer.


Photo Credits: Knowlton

Spotlight Series: Dane Gella

Name: Aloha everyone! My name is Dane Gella aka Danejah

Where are you from? I was raised up in Waipio Gentry.

How long you've been wave riding? A long time.


Amateur or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surf, Surfmat, Bodysurf, etc.)? I’m a well-rounded underground wave rider. I love Bodyboard and Surf. I prefer Dropknee to Prone, but love to do it all.

 

What got you in to the sport? I got inspired by my dad Duncan Gella, who is an amazing surfer. He used to take my brother and me to Waikiki Walls every weekend. Then I met my brothers and the rest of the crew at Kanoelani Elementary school. There after my friend Kaleo’s Dad started to take us to “Tracks” in Nanakuli every weekend and it pretty much kept me loving the sport ever since.

 

Favorite breaks (can choose not to disclose)? My favorite home breaks are “I don’t knows” on the West side (locals only) and V land on the North Shore.

 

Shout outs? Shout out to the Sponge Dis Crew; Kaleo, Donovan, Hector, Delio, Joseph, Shaun, and Steven V straight out of Waipio that has been together ever since we were small kids. Till this day we still charging! #Sped4Lyfe

Spotlight Series: Stephen Minor

Name? Stephen Minor @minorprojects

Where are you from? Oceanside, CA

What got you in to the sport? My neighbor and his Pops had some nice boards would always go paddle out at the beach and they would take me with them since I was around 10 years old. They taught me how to Surf, Sponge, and just appreciate the Ocean in general.


How long you've been wave riding? 12 years now since I'm 22, haha.

Amateur/Underground or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surf, Surfmat, Bodysurf, etc.)? Underground so far... DK/70 Prone/30 when the waves are good. Anything below 3-4 I'll grab a soft top Wavestorm or something like that.


Favorite breaks? (Can choose not to disclose) Lowers and the Wedge. Lowers is probably my all-time favorite wave on Dropknee, you can get more turns in one wave there than anywhere else I've seen. The Wedge is my favorite prone wave, there’s so much power it never ceases to scare me haha. 

Shout outs? My boy Kailoa Powers who has been my biggest Dropknee influence since day one. Wally Sani who throws the most insane hacks I've seen with my own eyes. Michael Meza who shares the Spongedaily ocean love and is always down to paddle out. 

Spotlight Series: Hunter Brackett

Name: Hunter Brackett

Where are you from? Imperial Beach, CA

What got you into the sport? I love being in the water. My dad has been bringing me near or around the ocean since I was 5 years old.

How long have you been wave riding? I have been in or around the water for 11 years so pretty

much all  of my life.

Amateur or Professional (Prone, Dropknee, Surf, Bodysurf, etc)? I am an Amateur Prone Bodyboarder and Bodysurfer.

Favorite Breaks (can choose not to disclose)? Mexico, Big Rock, and Imperial Beach

Shout Outs? A big shout out to the guys at Surfhut!

Instagram: @hunterbrah

Spotlight Series: Bob King

For our Spotlight Series features we enjoy reading about wave riders who enjoy any type of wave riding. That's what we here at OkShoots are all about, is that Waveslide Culture. This week's Spotlight features wave rider Bob King who just enjoys his time in the water and his face shows it every time. Enjoy the Q and A with Bob.

Name? Bob King @bobbiewobbie

Where are you from? Leucadia CA 

What got you in to the sport? I love being in the ocean and experiencing wave energy.

How long you've been wave riding? I started wave riding around 1980, when my family moved to Oahu.

Amateur, Professional or Underground (Prone, Dropknee, Surf, Surfmat, Bodysurf, Skimboard)? Very Amateur bodysurfer and Paipo board rider. 

Favorite breaks? I love finding hallow un-crowed spots. Most of my favorite spots only have the names that we make up and would not mean anything to anyone else, like - Crab Traps or The Magic Left.

Shout outs? Big shout out to the Leucadia United Crew. The Early Morning Ohana. @enjoyhandplanes

Photo by @aqsurf

Spotlight Series: Kevin Ferris

How's it everyone! Welcome to this week's Spotlight Series feature on wave rider and all around good guy Kevin Ferris. If you're ever in San Diego he is definitely one of the guys to seek out and go wave riding with, whether its on a surfboard, surfmat, or even bodysurfing you will probably find this guy somewhere around the water. Thanks Kevin and enjoy the Spotlight Series Q and A!

Name: Kevin Ferris


Where are you from? Imperial Beach, CA


What got you in to the sport? My Pops and older brothers.

How long you've been wave riding? 25 years


Amateur, Professional or Underground (Prone, DK, Surfing, Surfmat, Bodysurf, Skimboard)? Once a professional shortboarder, now keeping it underground. I have translated to other shapes such as fishes and going finless. I have also busted out the swimfins for body surfing. Another thing I have taken up is the longboarding, to keep me challenged and motivated. I pretty much have taken up whatever makes me feel closer to the ocean and stokes me out.

Favorite breaks: Mexico, PB Point, Imperial Beach, and Cardiff

Shout outs (Sponsors)? Thanks to Brixton, Stance Socks, Old Harbor Surfboards, Good Times Barbershop, and Xcel Wetsuits for keeping me dialed!

Spotlight Series: Kaleo Cambonga-Meyers

This week's Spotlight Series features Kaloeo Cambonga-Meyers, who is one of many wave riders who deserves some time in the Spotlight and we are helping provide some shine his way. Check out our Q and A with Kaleo and what he has to say.

 

 

 

Name: Kaleo Cambonga-Meyers

Where are you from? Waipio (Oahu) Hawaii

How long have you been wave riding? Ive been bodyboarding since the 6th grade so about 16-17 years

 

 

What got you in to the sport?
Growing up going to the beach was a daily routine,  either by myself,  with my family or with my friends.  I tried many boards, but realized I'd rather be on a sponge than a surfboard

Amateur or Professional (prone, Dk, surfing)?  Underground ...

Favorite breaks? I have my secret favorite spots on the North & West shore (haha), but if not where ever get waves

Shout outs? Big shout out to the SPONGE DIS FAM & all the drop knee riders out there ALOHA