Jack Shipley – Interview

Jack Shipley – Interview

#1. Jack, can you tell me about the early years that led you from the mainland to Hawaii and into your involvement in surfing?

My dad worked in the defense industry, and we moved to Hawaii in 1961. The second day Pops took my sister and me to Waikiki for a surf lesson. Here it is 2010, and I am still here deeply involved in a sport that has, and continues, to upgrade my life.

I began judging events in 1966, beginning with pro events in 1970. I was Director of Judging with the International Professional Surfing (prior to the ASP beginning in 1976). I judged all the early events in Hawaii. I was the first judge from Hawaii to travel and proudly did the first man on man in Australia in 1977. I remember Bugs beat Mike Ho.

#2. How did you get into judging in the first place? Can you describe the scene of that first contest (boards, surfers, performance)?

Dick Brewer (owner of Surfboards Hawaii and my employer then) recruited me to judge a club contest at Chuns Reef in 1966. At that time there were 3 judges with scribes positioned about 30 feet apart.

#3. When you first began your judging career, who were your mentors (or role models)?

Fred Hemmings had enough confidence in me to run the first Pipe Masters in 1971.

Dick Metz (owner of Hobie Surfboards where I was the shop manager) told me to not be emotional, review and decide performances.

Rabbit Kekai brought me ocean awareness. I have worked with Rabbit for 35 years as Beach Marshal.

Pops Aikau (Eddie’s father)…he got me to think about the responsibility that I was trusted with.

#4. Obviously the sport has changed considerably, but from those early years of competitive surfing, how have you seen judging change?

More refinement, many more thoughtful people and surfers arrived to develop the ever changing criteria.

#5.  If you had to pick one man and one woman based on your observation, who would you say is history’s greatest surfer?

Over all time, the Duke and the Rell.

In the early days, Larry Bertleman and Margo Oberg.

Nowadays Tom Curren and Carrisa Moore.

#6. Looking back, what is your fondest memory in terms of your career (a specific contest, time period, or achievement)?

Dozens of fond memories over the last 44 years. I look forward to 2011 as that year will be my 40th consecutive year at the Pipe Masters.

#7.  Your contribution to surfing goes beyond judging as you and Gerry Lopez joined to create Lightning Bolt which was essentially the coolest surf brand in the world for over a decade. What was your role specifically within the company and looking back, what’s your perspective on that era?

Yes. Lightning Bolt was a fantastic part and time in my life. I ran the shop and my wife (Mary Anne) paid the bills and guided our children.

#8. How do you think you will be remembered by the surfing world?

As a person that was very fortunate to discover Hawaii and surfing in 1961. To reside in the best place on the planet with my family and business… MAGICAL. As a judge my goal was to be a fair witness to the thousands of performances that I have radically enjoyed. FAMILY FIRST AND SURFING RULES.