Maui on our mind
The first Hawaiian reef I ever surfed was Lahaina Harbor in Maui. I was 12 years old and distinctly remember diving off the dock and paddling across the deep blue channel and watching it turn cartoon with bright corals as I entered the lineup — a foreign world of clear water, brightly colored fish and sharp reef with perfect little waves breaking over the top. Under sunny skies, my haole skin experienced a more traditional way of surfing — I mean, this was literally the first time I’d ever surfed in trunks! It was like realizing my surf life had played out on a small black and white tv set to that point and this Maui surf spot was an IMAX theater. Hawaiian waves and reefs were something I’d only seen in videos and in magazines and this surreal moment remains one of the most vivid memories of my surf life. It was the epitome of the pure surfing sensory experience we all hope to have every time we paddle out. I’ll never forget it.
I tell you about my little Maui memory because the little harbor town that I have such fond childhood memories of has been completely destroyed by wildfire. You’ve no doubt seen or read about the destruction and harrowing tales of survival the town faced as hurricane Dora fueled winds fueled an out of control fire that ravaged the town, forcing some people to dive into the ocean for safety. Info, dispatches and the extent of damage are all still being accounted for and added to daily.
We reached out to our friends from Maui to get some firsthand info on what we can do now and what links are approved sources. Maui boy and last week’s US Open of Surfing winner Eli Hanneman sent us this link as a legit option for sending any help you might be able to send. Eli also let us know that he and Ian Walsh are organizing a program to get aid out to people who need it most — we’ll keep you posted on their mission as soon as its live.
f you you’ve ever been to Hawaii — Maui in particular — you know these islands are small, tight knit communities and thinking of an out-of-control fire like this moving through at the speed in which they move and how few places one can run to is terrifying. We’re sending love and any support we can for what must have been a horrifying week.
It’s been a busy week here for us and there’s all sorts of good stuff to tell you about — including recaps of The Factory by the Sea, some new playlists and an epic art find in Europe from Phillip — but right now all we can do is think of our friends in Maui. There’s too many good memories yet to be made over those beautiful reefs. Let’s all try to help however we can and get the healing underway for that beautiful surf town. —Travis Ferré
