Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Ohana means nobody gets left behind...

I've mentioned before that BSD was born in Hawaii. Of two haoles. Whom I'm not sure can even swim. Yet in his mind. This is BSD's family.

When we were dating. And relatively young. And living on the North Shore. BSD never missed a paddleboard race. He'd see that race posted on the bulletin board at Foodland and he was always the first one to turn in his registration form. The opportunity to paddle among pro surfers. To get a t-shirt with an "official" Da Hui logo. Not one of the "fake" ones you could buy in a surf shop. Gave him such a major woody.

To his credit, these races were pretty hard core. Paddling from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay. While laying face down on a massive surfboard. For four miles. Often in some pretty choppy seas. Was not an easy task. BSD definitely earned those t-shirts. And wore them proudly.

Now remember, we were dating at the time. Which means you do things you wouldn't normally do. Just to impress your date. See where this is going?

Yes. I did. I signed up to paddle in one of these races with BSD. Me. The non-surfing, non-ocean swimming girl from New York. We drove down to Waikiki and BSD rented me the longest surfboard he could find. He was such a sport. He stayed by my side the entire time. Even as every last entrant paddled by us. I know he was chomping at the bit to get on with the race. Yet he patiently paddled beside me. Cheering me on.

After many grueling hours. OK, maybe about one mile into the course. Water safety rode up on his jet ski. Told us I was drifting too far out to sea. Then towed me to within yards of the finish line.

I paddled the last few lengths to the finish. Ran the 100 yards up the beach through the chute. Got my tshirt. And sat. Waiting for BSD to paddle the rest of the course. Poor BSD. I'm pretty sure he came in dead last. But he didn't care. He still got his tshirt. And he wore it proudly.

I never wore mine. Never felt worthy. We still have it. It's packed up in a box in the attic. Along with BSD's other race tshirts that he has since retired. So...ballerinas. When we're gone. And you're going through our old things. Keep your eye out for that box of tshirts. They meant a lot to your dear old dad.

Fast forward...15 years? BSD now sponsers his own version of Da Hui's North Shore paddleboard race. On August 21st, the third annual race will take place here in Virginia Beach. Some people will paddle the traditional prone style. Some will stand up and actually use a paddle. And this year there will even be a few kayaks. There will be handmade trophies. A custom made surfboard raffled off. And tshirts. Of course.

The Big Ballerina will be paddling a special new board.

Styled after a traditional prone paddleboard.

Complete with a fancy water bottle and chin rest.

A board made especially for her.

By her dear old dad.

As for me. We're not dating anymore. 

I think I may finally sit this one out.
Crossing the finish line in 2009.

 But I think I'll get BSD a pair of those "black shorts."
So he can continue to live out his fantasy. I think he can wear them proudly.

16 comments:

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

Kim!!!!!!!!

Swearsies, I went paddle boarding tonight. For the first time. And I'm hooked!!!!! Can BSD make me a board?!?! That'd be awesome!! I want a cup holder!

{cindy} said...

What a great story Kim!
Yes, what we don't do when we're dating huh??:)
That is one beautiful board your daughter has. Perfectly girly in every way. (is it ok to say that??:))
good luck to her on the big day
have a happy day

beautiful photos btw!!:)

Gabe said...

Kim, those photos of BB with her board. . .A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Love that you participated in 2009, you rock! It must take some serious arm strength to do that!

karren said...

I love these photos of your daughter with the board. That first one of your husband back when...Funny! They all look like carbon copies of eachother.

Ashley Sisk said...

What a great story...a great message...and great photos.

Kerri said...

Oh, that first picture made me laugh! BSD is so talented. What a beautiful board for BB. The pictures of her are stunning! I LOVE the one of her looking back at the camera. She's so cute...and doesn't even know it. Good luck BB on the 21st!!

Kerri said...

PS. I'll take me a pair of YOUR legs!

Bridget said...

Wow! That board he made for the Big Ballerina is gorgeous!

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

I am so excited for the 21st!! Fun, fun , fun! I love the story. The pics of of BB are outstanding and just awestruck that Daddy had time to make that board for her!! Awesome!! hugs, cathy {your blogging SUP buddy!}

Nicolle said...

This is such an awesome post. I love the board that BB's dad made for her. It's gorgeous. I can't wait to hear about the paddle board contest in a few days! I laughed at the haole comment and that first picture. My sister in law says she wears her hair long in Hawaii, so that she blends in more, b/c when she first moved there, she got the haole comment a lot. ha.

Amy said...

I just love your posts. How you tell the story. Absolutely LOVE the photos of BB and her board. Can't wait to hear about how the race goes!

Anonymous said...

My husband's biological mother lived in Kailua for years. He enjoyed reading this post with me. I remember on our first date he picked me up wearing one of those "fake surfing t shirts" =)
Also I just heard a story about paddleboating on NPR.
Love your pictures

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I love the water bottle and the chin rest. I didn't know there was such a thing. I guess I just assumed you used a "regular" board? Obviously I am no pro.

I only tried surfing once and I pretty much suck. It was on a borrowed short board and I was by myself and had no idea what I was doing. BUT...it was totally fun!

Karina said...

Yep - pretty much the most adorable board I have ever seen. I'm so glad I met my hubby after he gave up his "motorcycle racing" days, although I'm sure I would have endured anything to be around the man I love....yes indeed - the things we do when we are dating.

My Interior Life said...

Aww, that's so sweet. I love BB's board. How cool that her dad made it.

Jen said...

I love her board...made by her Dad...so cool! Maybe she can give us a lesson next volleyball season!