The estimated 500 people huddled under
three huge canopies, gave out a collective cheer when a torrential
rain storm exploded over Barney's Lot on the North Shore of Oahu.
Located a mere half mile south of Waimea Bay, Barney's Lot was the
site last week (February 22, 1997) of the 60th hanau (birthday) party
of one of surfing's greatest big wave riders, Greg Noll.
The former Hermosa Beach big wave
rider and surfboard manufacturer greeted everyone with either a
handshake or a bear hug. At one point, his face was nearly covered by
the many flowered leis given him. It was only fitting that he was
feted here, on the North Shore, where he earned the nickname "Da
Bull." Just yards away from the eight to ten foot pounding surf,
fragrant flowers adorned the rows of tables. The bar, a thatched hut,
was stocked with various canned beverages and beer on tap. A strange
pink liquid, rumored to be swipe, was also being dispensed. Swipe is
almost pure alcohol, and only the heartiest kamaiina partook of
it.
Greg Noll memorabilia, including
pictures, clothing, and various surfboards were displayed near the
bandstand. Three separate bands played throughout the day. A special
treat happened later in the afternoon, when a group of hula dancers
performed in Gregs honor. In front of the bandstand, stood a special
present: a new balsa surfboard shaped by Dale Velzy.
Guests came from all of the Hawaiian
Islands, California, the East Coast, and as far away as Japan. It was
a veritable who's who of surfing: Bruce Brown, Ken Bradshaw, former
Hermosa surf photographer LeRoy Grannis, Mike Stange, Tiger Espera,
Rabbit Kekai, Bob Hogan, Peter Cole, Fred VanDyke, Buffalo Keaulana,
Henry Preece, Sonny Vardeman, Ray Beatty, Mike Diffenderfer, Ricky
Grigg, Fred Hemmings, and Steve Pezman, just to name a few. All the
hugging and "talking story" made the party seem like a family
reunion.
