Mark Cunningham on Pipeline, Bodysurfing, and His Heaviest Experiences As a North Shore Lifeguard

"Mark Cunningham, aka "The Human Fish," is hailed as one of the greatest bodysurfers of all time. He grew up in Hawaii, became a lifeguard in the mid-’70s, and for nearly 30 years guarded primarily at Ehukai Beach Park, with a view straight into Pipeline’s barrel. Through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Cunningham won nearly every bodysurfing event he entered. But, as Cunningham would be the first to tell you, bodysurfing is not about winning or losing."

Larry ‘Aki’ Akiyama Celebration of Life Paddle Out

LARRY ‘AKI’ AKIYAMA Passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2024 surrounded by his family and friends. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his son Kawika, grandson Kaimana, brother Kerry and sisters Janet and Irene.

Aki, as he was known on the beach, like former beach boy Gilbert Hisatake, was one of the last old time beach boys who grew up under the apprenticeship system playing ukulele, learning to teach surfing, of steering canoe, and captaining catamarans through the surf in Waikiki. Larry Aki Akiyama always let it be known that giving the tourist a good experience at Waikiki was the main goal of every beach boy.

He lamented as times turned the beach boy system into a commercial business factory, so he moved himself down to Kaimana Beach where he became the retired and elder beach boy protecting the tourists, the monk seals, and spreading his aloha.

Ashley Shock knew his power and produced a twenty-four minute video interview of Aki on Youtube titled “Times have Changed” Waikiki Beachboy, “Aki” talks about his life on the beach & Aloha Spirit.

His impact on every one he met was honest and fair. He will be missed.

Thank you to Bill Brooks for the use of his instrumental music on this video.

Aloha Kyle

The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story at the 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival

Bob Campi launched the world premiere of his biopic film The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story at the 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival before a crowd of Brewer’s friends, colleagues, and admirers.

Campi told this story through an interview format using a cast who included Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny, Garrett McNamara, Derrick Doerner, Jock Sutherland, Jericho Poppler, Allen Sarlow, Steve Morgan, Jack Reeves, Anna Trent Moore, and others.

An original soundtrack performed by members of the surf community enhanced the quality of the film.

I’d like to thank director and CEO Halona Norton-Westbrook at the Honolulu Museum of Art and Sarah Fang in the Doris Duke Theatre for the many years of support the museum has provided to the surf community through its annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival. This thanks also includes the local sponsors who contribute to the success of the festival.

One of my favorite moments at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival years ago was the interaction between Australia’s Bob McTavish and Dick Brewer as both extremely confident men lay claim to the birth of the shortboard.

Thank you to the Honolulu Museum of Art allowing the filming of this post film panel discussion.

Please enjoy this post film discussion that followed the opening night screening.

Thank you to Sarah Fox for the use of her music on this video.

Aloha Kyle