If you're in the running for the World title, would you ...

[waikikikichan]

If you're in the running for the ASP World title at the last stop at Pipe Masters, would you :
a) Keep practicing / free surf out at the Banzai Pipeline
b) Stay out on the Northshore, but just relax and take it easy in the Ripcurl club house
c) Travel across the island to Waikiki and go surf with the tourist ( some who have never seen the ocean before in their life )

If you're #2 in the world, you go surf Waikiki on a 11 foot NSP. I just love it when people say, they want to get their first board but " know they don't want a longboard" because its not cool enough.

That's Mick with Waikiki Beach Boy Fritz. He and the cameraman Richie, work at Aloha Beach Services. It is the beach stand that Duke Kahanamoku was affiliated with. Mick is on a board from Faith surf school. That is own and run by Tony Moniz, former pro surfer and Northshore standout. His daughter Kelia Moniz was 2 time defending ladies longboard champion, but just got 2nd last week.

[Jester]

Awesome post!! That's what it's all about man, not being the coolest because you ride this or that, not bragging but loving the waves, the people and the vibe!! Nailed it!!!

You can have just as much fun out there as the next guy, even if your crap and the 'next guy' is ASP level

[oldmansurfer]

Mick is good for the sport. I am sure he wouldn't normally surf Waikiki in those waves but he is there to help others. Layne Beachley said the best surfer is the one that has the most fun.

[dtc]

Fanning is renowned for turning up at his 'local' breaks in Australia and just joining the crowds. Of course, his local breaks are still world class (Snapper etc) and he has been known to drop in on people who he thinks wont make as much of the wave as he will (ie everyone); but he seems to still enjoy just surfing even if its out at the local point break that everyone else surfs as well. He doesn't have to be in some isolated or amazing location

Did you know his middle name is 'Eugene'. The classic nerd name (eg Eugene Felnic) - but, um, you can tell him that.