Just want to spark a little debate about this kid. Sal at the Nike6.0 comp mentioned that Michael Parsons personally quit his career at Billabong to "make" Kolohe a good surfer. I liked his surfing until I heard this comment. Something about being "made" doesn't strike well with me. Obv, the kid rips but is that from being babied on Indo boat trips or is it natural skill. Point being I'd rather see the kid without any industry help on the podium rather than Kolohe now. Really I dont like how the industry is all over this kids nuts. I thought it was because he was ripping but little did I know it was just Mike Parsons giving blowjobs to industry execs.
Kolohe was ripping well before Parsons started coaching him. Do you not realize his dad is Dino Andino? As far as the argument of natural skill vs. indo boat trips goes, why would that even be something you'd care about? Everyone that surfs has some level of natural ability, but the best guys are the ones that surf the most.
Obvoiusly Kolohe is where he is at because of natural talent. The industry is blowing him up because of his talent and the potential to make $$$ off of him. I am sure more people than just Mike Parson would like to contribute to his success. He rips.
My argument is that we all know he has natural talent but he didnt start blowing up and winning contest until Mike Parson ended his career at Billabong. I guess I have more respect for guys like Dane who just rip and don't need a private coach in between heats. But Dane also isn't winning any contest. The main point I'm getting at is the more boat trips you make obv the better surfer you will be. To me it just seems like he is given all the tools with little to no effort. It seems like an unfair advantage. Due to this, I lost a bit of respect for his movement.
you get good at surfing by surfing... and much more so by surfing good waves. Of course its an advantage, but competitive surfing is a sport and a profession for the lucky few, so you do whatever you can to get better. There are always those who have certain advantages over others, but thats life I suppose.
Factory made surfers is the future of our industry, little rippers bred from young to become a marketing image. It Will progress performance in surfing, but if one of these kids gets a reality show. I'LL SHÌT BRICKS!
Are you serious? Kohole Andino may have NIke and target as sponsors, but this kid has been a better surfer than you since he was 8 years old. Kolohoe rips and has for a long time. Kelly Slater was also at 16 years touted as the next big thing and got a big Quiksilver contract becuase of his surfing not long after that. Guess they got that one right huh? Look what Slater has done for Quiksilver, you dont think having the most influetial surfer ever wearing Quiksilver sold a butt load of boardshorts, still does. Have you watched Kolohoe surf, at 16 he has the rail work of some of the worlds best and pulls every above the lip trick like you pull your pud, and is able to do this in heats. His Dad wanted him to have a surf coach, some one other than him telling Kolohoe what he needs to do. Mike Parsons was a Billabong team manger last I heard as a guy at billabong, he didnt make big money off that. In order to be able to help Kolohoe he neede dto watch him surf, be int eh waterwiith him to help him train etc. Dont root for Conner Coffin either please because Brad Gerlach is his coach. IN fact dont root for any Quiksilver kids now too because Jake Patterson and Martin Potter are their surf coaches for the junior team surfers. Oh yeah, dont root for anyone riding REd BUll logoed boards, Mick fanning, Jordy Smith, Evan Geislman, Kolohoe Andino, Taj Burrow, etc because they have specialized training and Shane Beschen workign with their surfers. People leave long term jobs all the time for better postions. IN todays Pro Tour of surfing to be the best you need help. The sponsorship money these surfers are worth to rep their brands in big business now, and to sell product to the masses you need to have your gear on the backs of the best surfers int he world. Nike, 6.0, Quiksilver whatever make their money off the 12-18 year old kids who tel their Mom they need this or that and they do this because they see their idols wearing it. Just how it all works. Judge these surfers by their surfing.
you know the rules, we can't hate on him until he starts selling his own brand of coffee. Kid rips for sure, whole family does. you grow up surfing with rippers and you will soon rip yourself. If I grew up at lowers surrounded by pro family members than I may have had a shot too... at least thats what im going to tell myself...
I'm glad someone else sees that he is just another industry clone. As you mentioned Mike Parson left for a better opportunity...really? I'm sure unless Kolohe is winning contest and getting mag spreads, Mike Parsons will not make a dime off him. Reason why he is pushed so hard in the industry. No one is saying he doesnt rip but I'm just not convinced its because of his surfing. I think its more to do with bloodline and his coach. I guess I hate because of where the industry is going. Target as a sponsor...how weak! In the last surfer mag "are you listening" someone put it perfectly regarding industry clones. When was the last time in the States you heard someone say, Mick Fanning is my favorite surfer? I feel the same away about Kolohe, the kid rips but had no personality.
