Here we go. The race is on. Sunday morning
Andrew and Bobo showed up to hear the life guards talk
about the conditions and that they were going forward
with the race in spite of the big waves. Andrew called me
uncertain of what to do, even with tears as a dad feeling torn
about safety and wanting to make the best decision for our boy.
Archie Kelepa, who used to be head of the lifeguards said he
would put a jet ski on Bobo. Then Drew went up to
Zane (because that is really the only person he knew)
and asked if he knew of anyone who could escort Bobo.
Zane said maybe he could, if he could get a board, because he
wasn't racing.
We couldn't believe that Bobo was paddling with Zane,
one of the best watermen in the sport.
Bobo was wearing a phone so we could
use GPS to track him. Dev, Cambria, and
I had driven over after church and made
it in time to see Conner Baxter cross the
finish line first. Then we just watched that GPS.
And here they come.
It was so exciting.
I heard someone ask,
"What is his name?"
So so proud of him!
Yeahooo Bobo!
First place Conner, Zane, and Bobo.
It was wild he had accomplished this
major feat and on his own without us.
Only one week before he had
paddled this route, the Moliko Run.
He said just his ankles hurt. I was a bit
overpowering as a mom...I just wasn't
sure what to do. I have since simmered
down a bit. I just kept asking him,
"Do you need something?"
And then we just chilled out a bit.
And he got back into the water to paddle some more.
Then he went up to receive some recognition,
we weren't sure if he was supposed
to go up because no other 18 and unders
went up...but he may be the youngest
to race this one, so it was okay. Then
Zane popped up on the stage and it was okay.
It was all a lot to take in. When Bobo
crossed the finish line, Sup magazine wanted
to interview him. Then later an interview
came out with Zane talking about their experience.
We were told maybe he should take off his
big towel, but its just us and I want to remain
who we are. And just before
he went on stage, he was sitting
on his dads lap. He is just a kid!
It did feel like we were ushered into
a whole new world of the professional/
social media side of surfing.
We were just taking it all in as a family.
Bobo just wanted to watch a surfer in the water, I think
he thought it was maybe Kai Lenny. He felt bad
later that he didn't have more to say in an interview,
when asked about the race he said it was "fun."
But that was right after paddling for 10 miles and none
of us were prepared. We walked about the balance of
being 9 and that it is a lot to take in but also being
prepared to respond to people in these situations.
He does love the aspect of being with these watermen
in the water he has seen on screen and in print.
We don't know where this road will take us. But the point
in to enjoy the water, stay humble, and give glory to God
for our giftings.
Then Zane gave him his book.
Zane was so encouraging of Bobo.
Pure exhilaration as a parent watching your boy
excel and witness his accomplishment. And to be
somewhat on the sidelines as he stands as an individual
who completed a feat.
"The things we've handed down...." Andrew had Bobo
paddle for hours to turn into money for his first
downwind paddle board. Just as Andrew earned basketball
camp by logging hours playing.
H loves working on and around his boards.
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