Birds of the Sea

Ford Stallsmith

Posted on Jul 27, 2015 in Advocates

We initially thought of asking Ford to be our first advocate, because he is so stoked, in and out of the water. What really sealed the deal were our observations over the last year, as we’ve grown Manukai Handboards. We’ve watched him help out his ohana, express gratitude and a humble attitude, show stoke and courage in the water, and work hard in everything he does. We feel he embodies values that we are striving for ourselves, and and we are stoked to introduce him as our first brand advocate!

My name is Ford Stallsmith, I am 13 years old and currently in the 8th grade at Hpa. I first started to get in the water and ride waves when I moved to the Big island from Maui, I was about 3 years old. I have been bodysurfing for a long time, but I have been more proficiently bodysurfing for the last 2-3 years.

Bodysurfing is different from surfing or bodyboarding, because bodysurfing lets you be more a part of the wave other that riding it. Also I feel that bodysurfing is a great start for beginners because it is easier to get out to the break, and it does not require standing up or anything like that, but bodysurfing can also be very advanced as you get better at it. I mainly like to bodysurf with my father, when I am bodysurfing with my father I feel like we are always competing to get that perfect wave. One of my goals in the water is to bodysurf bigger breaks than I am used to, and also to compete in competitions and things like that. One goal for me out of the water is to perpetuate the sport of bodysurfing throughout the Big island.

Another activity I like to do is surf photography I like it because you get to share with others those awesome pictures you got! Also I like surf photography because I get to be in the water and watch other surfers have fun! One person that I look up to in that regard is Clark Little, when I see his pictures on social media I am always thinking of how I could get that shot. I am always amazed by his work, his pictures make me want to get better at surf photography. My favorite spot to bodysurf is Waipi’o valley, this is my perfect spot because there is never a lot of people there and it is a super fun wave. The perfect day at Waipi’o to me is a day that is not to big and not to small, with no wind and perfect hollow peeling waves. This is me!