What should I get Laird to sign?

[kookRachelle]

If you ever wondered what happened to Turtle here he is http://www.theinertia.com/surf/headspace-john-philbin/

What a cool guy - really loved that interview, thank you!

[BaNZ]

I was thinking of getting my gf but then she doesn't know anything about Laird.

Rachael, so you fancy getting your boobies signed by Laird?

oh yeah - that would be very exciting!!! not even a little.

just get a fin from a surf shop. Breakwater sells them - I'll be at Rockaway tomorrow. I messaged you but you must be busy signing your own girlfriend's boobies.

I didn't get any message from you! I met Laird today, he is such a genuine guy. He seems a bit shy and awkward. I'm still frothing and Im too excited that I don't think I'll be able to get up tomorrow morning. Plus this weekend is terrible surf, onshore messy waves.

[kookRachelle]

Whatevs dude. I moved last weekend and couldn't get out when it was good and this weekend is going to be 80 degrees and sunny in freaking October and I can finally surf officially since my finger is (kinda) good. BaNZ you're such a snob!

[billie_morini]

BANZ,
photos, please, or it didn't happen!
billie

[oldmansurfer]

So BANZ did you see the movie? Is it worth seeing?

[BaNZ]

So BANZ did you see the movie? Is it worth seeing?

We got to the cinema 30 minutes before the start time and was hoping that Laird would be there. I was so excited all day that I had to have a to ease my anxiety. I was waiting at the bar looking at the customers trying to see which ones are there to watch Laird's movie. Some of them wore the usual surfing branded clothes. gf was saying they must be here to watch his movie. Told her no, they are just kooks. Look at their flimsy arms, no way can they catch any waves with those muscles. Not sure why I was so judgmental that evening, I guess I needed reassurance that I'm his only surfer fan there?!

When the time came, the staff told us that Laird will be there at the end of the movie for Q&A. I was sitting very close to the entrance. I looked around and there were all types of people. Old couples, people in suits, young family, skaters, teenage girls and surfer bros. Since I was sitting very close to the entrance, every time when I heard the door opened, I kept checking to see if it was him. Towards the end of the movie, I was getting cold sweats from holding my pee in. I didn't want to miss any of the movie and I don't want to miss his entrance. The movie finished and I was the first one to sprint out to the toilets. Did my business, wash my hands and sprinted back. I froze when I got to the entrance because Laird was standing at the door waiting for the credits to finish. I panic and didn't know what to do because my hands is not completely dry and I definitely don't want to shake his hands like that. I just gave him a nod, put my head down and walked back to my seat. I could see that he was also a bit nervous so it's probably better that way.

During the Q&A, my mind went completely blank. I forgotten all the questions that I was going to ask him. It was just a bunch of kooks asking about the hydrofoil stuff. Then again my questions weren't that great. I had two or more. One is whether he has found another hidden surf spot like Peahi when it first started. 2nd was where would he retire to. gf asked some silly questions which I facepalmed and cringed.

To answer your question, yes it's a good documentary. Could've done better in editing and the sequence of events. I'd give it a 9/10. A few times I shed some tears as the scene/waves were beautiful. It reminded me how surfing was like before I moved to NYC. I definitely buy a copy if they release a dvd. The movie gave us a lot of insight of his personal life which I don't want to spoil. Everyone on the forum needs to watch it. The movie will flop simply because it isn't a blockbuster film. It's sad but true.

After the movie, I was discussing with my gf about Laird and how he is the greatest surfer alive. We got in some small disagreement which I can't really remember. Probably something about comparing our accomplishment/motivation to his and I said something like we are nothing compared to him. Which is true, no other surfers can compare to a legend like him.

[oldmansurfer]

Answer to question 1 is most likely yes but he wouldn't tell you where or even hint at it. Answer to question 2. Hmmm he has no doubt considered this question but the hard part for him is probably the retiring part not where he would retire. I think he sold his Peahi house and now has at least one on Kauai and one in California. His children are growing up hmm yeah I wonder what he thinks about that. He wants to keep going as long as he can but I am sure he has seen limitations to how long that will be. He has been an innovator and pushed the limits of surfing. Look at the Millennial wave however others have ridden even bigger waves at teahupoo. You probably don't want to go surfing with him because he will drop in on you...... he takes every wave. seriously he will drop in on you.

[kookRachelle]

You probably don't want to go surfing with him because he will drop in on you...... he takes every wave. seriously he will drop in on you.

I would be honored if Laird dropped in on me!

[kookRachelle]

I was so excited all day that I had to have a to ease my anxiety.

Told her no, they are just kooks. Look at their flimsy arms, no way can they catch any waves with those muscles. Not sure why I was so judgmental that evening, I guess I needed reassurance that I'm his only surfer fan there?!

Since I was sitting very close to the entrance, every time when I heard the door opened, I kept checking to see if it was him.

Towards the end of the movie, I was getting cold sweats from holding my pee in. I didn't want to miss any of the movie and I don't want to miss his entrance.

I panic and didn't know what to do because my hands is not completely dry and I definitely don't want to shake his hands like that. I just gave him a nod, put my head down and walked back to my seat.

just a bunch of kooks asking about the hydrofoil stuff.

gf asked some silly questions which I facepalmed and cringed.

how surfing was like before I moved to NYC.

After the movie, I was discussing with my gf about Laird and how he is the greatest surfer alive. We got in some small disagreement which I can't really remember.

omg BaNZ, I am DYING!!! GREAT review, brah!!

[BaNZ]

It looks like his body is giving up on him and there are not many years left for big wave surfing. It won't be long till he needs to give up big wave surfing and just go the normal stuff like everyone else. When his kids grow up, he will be free once again and do whatever he wants. He is probably doing that now anyway.

I do want to go surfing with him It will be an honor for him to drop in on me! But probably not on every single wave. Then again, I won't be surfing anything that size.

[oldmansurfer]

You probably don't want to go surfing with him because he will drop in on you...... he takes every wave. seriously he will drop in on you.

I would be honored if Laird dropped in on me!

Go surf Hanalei when he is out there SUPing I hear it is a common thing

[oldmansurfer]

It looks like his body is giving up on him and there are not many years left for big wave surfing. It won't be long till he needs to give up big wave surfing and just go the normal stuff like everyone else. When his kids grow up, he will be free once again and do whatever he wants. He is probably doing that now anyway.

I do want to go surfing with him It will be an honor for him to drop in on me! But probably not on every single wave. Then again, I won't be surfing anything that size.

Did he mention his total hip replacement surgery? He always has a few things in the works. Besides foil boards he developed a motorized skateboard for riding off of pavement. He was working on a device to help you bodysurf a wave under the water. He is always looking for a new angle. I am sure however that he is motivated to continue big wave surfing. It seems to be very difficult for big waves guys to give up on it. They can rationalize reasons to do it but the thrill of the sport is too great for them to let it go.

[jaffa1949]

So what did you have signed

[BaNZ]

Did he mention his total hip replacement surgery? He always has a few things in the works. Besides foil boards he developed a motorized skateboard for riding off of pavement. He was working on a device to help you bodysurf a wave under the water. He is always looking for a new angle. I am sure however that he is motivated to continue big wave surfing. It seems to be very difficult for big waves guys to give up on it. They can rationalize reasons to do it but the thrill of the sport is too great for them to let it go.

Yes, he mentioned about his bionic hip. Apart from the hydro, he didn't talk about anything else.

He said if riding a bike is like surfing then riding a foil is like riding unicycle. Sure it is hard to pickup now but he believes kids that starts with the foil will be able to master it easily.

The director also asked him to ride the foil closer to the white wash and he told them that he would die if he get too close.

[BaNZ]

So what did you have signed

No boobies.... just his book. I didn't have time to get a fin.