DODGING GUNMAN
Q
You have a reputation for being outspoken on issues. Is that simply your nature?
A
I’m not one of those who just gets, like, a sheep-style person. People are force-fed by the news and I’ve always been able to decipher what’s propaganda and what’s real. A politician gets on and is asked a question but he jumps all around without actually answering it.
Q
But some of your ideas relate to the underprivileged and their struggles, don’t they?
A
I’m more aware of what community issues are. In the 70s and 80s I was a big advocate of solar energy which is predominant now. The underprivileged in the community is the part that I really care about.
Q
And that philosophy carried over to voicing your opinion on then jailed South African Nelson Mandela?
A
When I surfed over there I had the words Free Mendela on my board.
Q
So how did some of the white supremists handle that? Did you have any problems?
A
I was chased by guys with guns. It was pretty gnarly. I was told there was a guy with an AK47 or whatever looking for me. I wasn’t that hard to find because I was staying in the hotel where all the pros were staying. But I made sure I didn’t put myself out alone. It was spooky for a young surfer with an opinion. I think I was 25 or 26.