LEON KAHN
Every so often in our travels we run across genuine good sorts, people that just simply look after others for the stoke of meeting new crew and sharing a few laughs and good times. The TV channels have begun paying homage to people such as these, so we thought we would jump on the bandwagon and dedicate a column and prize in association with 'RIP CURL NZ' to each Bro or Bro'ess we come across and run each issue.
This issue we began to feature Gisborne's Leon Kahn and his participation in a charity fight for life boxing event. Then the more we looked into Leon's involvement in the local community, it was evident that here was a guy that genuinely loved helping out the youth and being a positive role model, so became a prime candidate for 'Bro of the issue'.
A former teacher, now fireman, Leon recently put his hand up to fight in a local charity boxing bout to raise money for a non profit charity organisation called 'Life Education', the trust provides children with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health, respect others and learn to appreciate their uniqueness. Nationwide they reach 225,000 primary and intermediate children every year, and work with schools by invitation. Coming in the underdog and giving away 10 years and 10 kg Leon won his fight against all expectations. We sat down with Leon to get his take on why he took on such a challenge and why he gets such a buzz out of helping out the community.
"A while back I had a wrestle with Felix Dickson and lost, much to many of the lads laughter so when this opportunity came up I thought this is my chance to prove myself hahahaha. Aside from that I was feeling chubby so thought this would be a way of shedding some kilos. I wanted personal things out of it as well, getting in the ring is something I always wanted. Life Education Trust is something I experienced first hand as a teacher and they do a great job with the youth. Some of these kids don't exactly have great role models in their lives and the best way to have them relate to you is to be on the same level as them. These kids can relate to boxing as a good sport, as they like to think they are all tough, but then realise that boxing is a sport that needs to have positivity applied. I spoke to a few of these kids all about the build up and the path I had to travel to get to where I was when I ran into them on the streets.
Leading up to the fight I knew I was the underdog, but I used that as my weapon. Win or lose, I was gonna be stoked and wasn't worried about losing. I wanted my opponent to underestimate me but knew I had a shot. Early on I took some big hits and thought if this is as bad as it gets then bring it! The crowd lifted me when I was stuffed and fuelled me to put in at least 15 extra punches, I listened to my corner as if it was the gospel. When the judges scores came in I was so stoked and pumped. I had never been involved in anything that evoked a crowd response like that and it was unreal.
In terms of my love for being involved in community events and activities, when I was teaching, every day I would see kids that I knew had potential and that they needed to be involved in stuff and get out there, and what I found was when I started helping out that made the kids come along, when young kids especially boys see older people getting stuck in they love it, and most of these kids come from families with poor role models. People are always needing help and to offer that is a buzz for me. I didn't start surfing till I was a teenager but know it saved me from a lot of other shit, so to help persuade the next generation of kids to become involved in things, that's a good feeling to know I've done my bit towards putting a life on the right track". Leon, from the crew at NZ Surf Mag and Rip Curl NZ, you're a bloody legend, the world needs more 'Bro's' like you. Top Man! Rip Curl NZ appreciate the love of locals across our shores as well, and have come up with a special prize for the featured 'Bro of the issue', the Pipeline Watch, valued at @299.99!
We are also opening this column to our readers, so if any of you out there know of a deserving candidate, that has helped local surfing in any way in your community, and you have photographic evidence of them, either performing a great service or shredding in the waves, then send your entry along with a few words to cory@nzsurfmag.co.nz with Rip Curl Bro of Issue in the subject line.