Surf Prescriptions
Wetsuit or Book and a Blanket???

Aloha winter surfers…..brrrrrr, it's really been cold and windy lately and the ocean conditions have been less than desirable. When the conditions deteriorate like this there are a few options……#1- hop a flight to a warmer climate, #2- dig out the wetsuit you thought you would never use again when you moved here, or #3- get out the trusty blanket and a good book. If you are out and about and near a Starbucks…..go ahead and grab that latte or macchiato but get back under that blanket and stay there. Why??? you ask….hold on….I am going somewhere with this so bear with me.

Although surfers do not seem to be the type to indulge in some "literary intake", the opposite is more true than you would ever imagine. While some enjoy the big Tom Clancy novel, others like the short story. Whatever your taste, if you like the vagabond lifestyle…..hook up with "Tales From Margaritaville" or "Where is Joe Merchant" written by Jimmy Buffett. For those of us who enjoy Hawaiian culture, Ian MacMillan produced an awesome book entitled "The Red Wind". One of my favorites (and soon to be one of yours too) is "The Tattoo" by local author Chris McKinney. If you like a darn good story…..and a bit of tattoo ink…..to go along with your love for surfing and all that is good (and bad) about Hawaii, this one is for you.

OK…..a quick summary without giving it all away……the main character is locked away in the Hawaii Prison System and, in the midst of getting a prison tat from a "veteran" prisoner, opens up and tells his own story. The story follows his growing years on the windward side of Oahu, moves along with him as he moves to Honolulu, and shows the innovative ways locals "make it" through life here in this place we Know as paradise. This story makes you realize that life for those who have lived here since birth is not all fun and games…..there are some bonafide struggles that take place and many issues locals must deal with. Those of us who have charmed lives need to understand to appreciate what is going on around us…..this book will open your eyes. Once I started reading this one……I could not put it down.

So, forget that wetsuit action and until the conditions are way epic and the sun begins to heat up…….crawl under that blanket with a cup of joe and a good book. You will not regret it. See you in the warm waters soon……Surf Doc out.