I met Herbie Fletcher when I was 16 years old. I had no idea what effect he would have on my life and how important that meeting would be. It happened through surfing-a path he would follow and guide his family on for life. I am a painter and have followed the practice of the artist, which in fact is no different from that of the surfer, who inscribes him-or herself in the ocean-a bigger canvas could not be engaged-defining their humanity in the most personal way using themselves to draw their life lines through the massive, fleeting freedom of that power. The power and majesty of the sea-Herbie shared that with me and my family as well as his own. I love and respect the Fletchers and treasure the gift of camaraderie and surfing that we have enjoyed together for what has turned out to be a lifetime.
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