Watermen :: MauiOnline

Surfing … canoeing … kiteboarding … stand up paddle boarding.

In hawaii, water sports are an integral part of the island culture. and while each individual activity has its own accomplished athletes, there is an elite group who’s love for the ocean goes beyond just sports. they’re called simply - Watermen.

We caught up with Archie Kalepa, Buzzy Kirbox, Bonga Perkins, and Kelani Vierra to find out what it means to be a waterman.

Buzzy Explains, "For me the term waterman means you have a love for the ocean and spend a lot of time in the ocean surfing, fishing, diving paddling. It’s a powerful force of nature that can grab a hold of you."

Bongo pust is like this, "A lot of people categorize us as waterman or whatever. but I think it’s more our surrounding and our upbringing. the ocean is survival. so we live off the ocean, know how to use the ocean without overdoing it. At the same time we have a lot of respect for it."

Now on to Archie, "There’s a connection between you and the ocean. you know, its not just going out there and trying to defeat the ocean. but its more or less going out there and try to work with the ocean and be one with the ocean."

And finally Kalani, "A waterman to me is a person who loves the ocean. it doesn’t matter what you do in the ocean. it’s about enjoying the ocean. respecting the ocean. taking care of the ocean by keeping it clean."

Today’s soldiers of the sea are part of a long and proud history that includes larger-than-life figures who set the standards for future generations…

[Bonga]
Duke Kahanamoku – synonymous to any ocean sport – surfing, canoe outrigger. To be even categorized remotely next to a name like that. that’s huge because it means you have been doing your homework.

[Buzzy]
duke kahanamoku - one of the most famous beach boys of all times. he spread aloha and his love for surfing around the world.

[Kalani]
when duke was alive and he had his legacy going on, he had a passion about showing the aloha spirit. about giving back to the younger generation. I’m very honored to be in his footsteps – trying to be the ambassador that he was and trying to give back.

With the lessons of the past, and new skills of the present, today’s watermen and waterwomen are keeping Hawaii’s ocean traditions alive…

[Archie]
The word Waterman… it gets watered down a lot. that word means a lot to guys that are really true watermen. So our job is to make sure that we share our knowledge so that we can help the upcoming generations, the new generation, get to that… that level.

[Bonga]
if you’re labeled a Waterperson it’s actually a big honor. people know that you know the ocean and how you carry yourself and not just take take but give back.

[Kalani]
i consider the ocean like my church. people go to church on sundays. I go to my church in the ocean every day.