“It's been too long, Jason!" I shout as he paddles into the lineup.
What do I mean by that? Jason Latham and I were fellow SUP surfers on the APP World Tour, traveling and competing in places like Sunset Beach, Hawaii, Long Beach, NY to name a couple. We also competed in ISA World Championships for our respective countries, Jason for Samoa and myself for the USA. But it's been over five years since we've found ourselves at the same APP event, and even longer since the ISA World Championships. So what brings us back together now? Waves, and our longtime friend, Steve Sjuggerud.
Steve Sjuggerud isn’t just a former world-renowned financial guru (he retired a few years ago), but he’s also the ultimate connector. It was years ago that Steve introduced me to my first paddle on a SUP, and then - years later - he introduced me to this laid-back, Georgia surfer named Jason Latham. A reunion of sorts was exactly what was happening today.
Steve, being his usual self, brought us together once again, giving Jason and I the chance to reconnect over a few waves on Amelia Island, Florida.
Jason responds to my greeting with a big handshake and a hug. "Dude, it’s so good to see you!"
His smile radiates warmth, just like the morning sunshine that only this laid back southern Georgia surfer can pull off. Jason is such a good natured guy. These moments are what make surfing worthwhile for me these days. It’s funny, after nearly ten years of traveling the world as a full-time SUP surfing athlete and world champion, there’s something about the non-competitive nature of surfing in the Atlantic ocean back home that makes the sport more meaningful to me now, especially when it's with friends.
So, here we are, the three of us, all in one spot, ready to take on the swell from Hurricane Ernesto. It’s Steve's first time shooting with his new water housing, and it’s the first time in a while that Jason and I have a water photographer out with us. The general vibe is full-on stoked!
Jason and I trade off waves. He takes the lefts on his front side, gliding effortlessly with that silky-smooth style of his, much like the calmness in his voice. I charge the rights, so we can both sync up with Steve, who’s right in the middle. It feels just like old times and past photoshoot days, with Steve managing the current and the lens to capture our waves. Despite the somewhat challenging 2-4 foot, fast-breaking conditions, Steve reminds us jokingly, "It just has to look good for 1/1000th of a second!"
The three of us are out there having a blast. Jason and I are cranking into turns, racing through the sections, and even tucking into a couple of barrels and Steve joins us!
The three of us finish on the beach and recap the session while snapping a few more pictures. A surf session built on connection, history and a mutual love of sport. We all had an absolute blast.
