Senator Fred Hemmings Interview with WB Surfing

Next to Duke Kahanamoku who has had more of an impact on modern day surfing than Hawaiia's Senator Fred Hemmings? If Duke Paoa Kahanamoku is the father of modern surfing his hanai son and protege' Fred Hemmings is the father of professional surfing. Every surfer owes thanks to these two men whose love and passion for surfing and the ocean lifestyle has had a tremendous positive effect on the world. Thank you Senator Fred Hemmings, your life continues to promote integraty, inspire generations, perpetuate the spirit of surfing and aloha. WB are privilaged to share with you wise words from early pioneer big wave surfer, world champion surfer, author, Senator, devoted family man and great American citizan Fred Hemmings.

WB: Good morning Senator Hemmings.

S.H: Hello Michael

WB: As an internationally respected world champion surfer and pioneer of professional surfing, author and esteemed senator from the state of Hawaii, all incredible accomplishments, what do you feel is the greatest accomplishment in your life?

S.H: My Family, my three children.

WB: Superb. You have always stood out in surfing, and your experience runs deep. Who has influenced you most or been the most inspirational person in your life?

S.H: When it comes to surfing there is no question in my mind Duke Kahanamoku. His honorable and regal life had a tremendous influence on my character and his prowess and ability as a surfer were a great inspiration to me simply because of his knowledge and his companionship with his mistress the ocean.

WB: Two of the most influential surfers of all time in my humble opinion are Duke Kahanamoku and Fred Hemmings.

S.H: Well thank you. It is incredibly flattering to have my name mentioned in the same breath as a man I think was certainly the greatest citizen from Hawaii in the 20th century, Duke Kahanamoku.

WB: Powerful words. Sen. Hemmings, with your long substantial career and contributions to surfing, inquiring minds want to know how do lessons learned from surfing and the ocean affect your daily life and your public service?

S.H: Well my surfing skills were basically a gift and a blessing from my having grown up in Hawaii. The thing I learned most is spontaneity, to be able to change your path in a moments notice, rather it's riding a wave, going somewhere or changing career paths in life. Having the flexibility and open mindedness to follow your dream or a different path.

It's really kind of ironic; to this day Im not, have never been nor am I seen as a member of the pop culture elite of surfing. It's ironic in some ways because I am somewhat of a conservative in the political realm. I think a lot of surfing elitists don't consider me in the inner circle with their group and that's fine. What I learned from surfing is to think for yourself.

One of the uniqueness of surfing is it is a sport with few boundaries and there is no time limit, baskets or holes, chalk marks, boundaries. It is really a sport of creativity and open mindedness, self-expression. It is a very healthy way of life.

WB: One of the most articulate expressions I've ever heard of surfing right there. Im looking at your profile and I notice your accomplishments are incredibly vast. Working with youth organizations, working with the Boys and Girls club, public service-- what motivates you to get up everyday and contribute to public service?

S.H: I can best answer that question by telling you what doesn't motivate me. What doesn't motivate me is the obsession to measure personal worth from material values.

WB: We are in a very nice area right now in Southern California and your words ring powerful. What do you consider the most important issues of the day?

S.H: Well how focused, do you mean surfing or world issues?

WB: World issues.

S.H: With out a doubt, over population. I wish I could increase awareness. Our species the humane race has to take control of our future by stabilizing the unchecked population growth. Our inability to provide resources for the worlds people and the much more serious problem of cleaning up the waste generated by consumption is the most threatening element second only to political tyranny that is threatening world stability and political tyranny is of course where we are at in our war on terror.

Most of the third world countries problems are tied to too many people and the lack of ability and resources to take care of themselves. Yet we still have a lot of legal and other practices that encourage population growth rather than stabilization. I’m not for mandatory anything but I think we should supply incentives for people who are being responsible in regards to population growth. That’s what I think is the number one issue in the world. It even affects surfing. Surfing spots are somewhat of a finite resource and its too many people and not enough surf sites manifesting itself into tension, surf rage and a lot of altercations in a sport that should be pretty void of it.

WB: What's more difficult dealing with politics or surfing big waves?

S.H: (Laughter). Surfing big waves is dealing with yourself and your own fears. Dealing with politics is a completely different game so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to compare the two.

WB: One last question for the youth of today, what words of advice or sage wisdom would you pass on to the next generation?

S.H: Be passionate! Whatever you do be passionate.

WB: Thank you Senator Hemmings.

To learn more about surfing be sure to pick up a copy of one if not all of of Fred Hemmings extreemly well done books. Hawaii's gift to the world of sports, The soul of surfing is Hawaiian, or The soul of surfing, you will be glad you did. Sea you in the surf.

    
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