Ed Angulo

• Name: Ed Angulo
• Date of birth: March 13, Sometime in the 20th Century
• Residence: Maui, Hawaii
• Nickname: Papa GU
• Sponsors: I get a free round of golf now and then, does that count?

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

What you see is what you get, I might be opinionated, but am willing to hear the other side. I try hard to be fair and treat everyone the same, but I'm human, so no guarantees. I believe the Bible literally and am convinced it is God’s word to man.

How do you think your close friends see you?

Sincere with rough edges.

Is there anything we must know about you?

I'm a born again Christian, saved by grace. I'm no better or worse than anyone else, but because I'm a work in progress, am in dire need of God's mercy and grace daily.

How, where and when did you first start surfing?

I started surfing in my mid teens (20th century) at what was called "Tin Can Beach".

What was your first experience like?

I was so excited to go surfing, I couldn't sleep at night. Even though I was a full blown Kook (with a capital "K") I ate, breathed, and dreamed about surfing

What is your background in waves? Are you a good surfer?

I've had the pleasure and experience to ride some of the most wonderful waves around the world. I still love to travel for some surf. No, I’m not a very good surfer, as I was never outstanding. And now I do it recreationally so I would consider myself a "K".

Who are the guys or girls that inspire or inspired you and why?

After 50 something years, I could write a book on the people who have inspired me and continue to inspire me. However, the greatest inspiration comes from my wife Patty.

What are your strong and weak points in the sport?

My strongest point is knowing when I shouldn't go out, and my weakest point is when I’m being held under and have pretty much NO control over the situation.

If you've had to choose, what are the three most extreme moves/actions you've ever pulled off?

Compared to today’s surfer athlete's, my best moves would not even be on the editor's floor of a video editing room. However it’s all relative, and dropping into my first big wave, and my biggest barrel, are still vivid memories embedded in my brain forever.

You've been around; can you describe a few of the most awesome or memorable waves?

Sunset, Pipeline, Honolua Bay, Rocky Point are the best memories and all for different reasons. Sunset is a place for surfing matadors and to see the grace and power of both wave and man is way beyond "Ole".

Pipeline is best described by Gerry Lopez's "Lightning Bolts", Quick powerful charges of electricity that can turn you on or zap you hard. Honolua Bay is one of the absolutely best all around surfing experiences I ever had. It’s a full blown e-ticket of drops and tubes with an occasional trip to the cave of destruction.

Rocky Point . . . oh sooo many days with neighbors and friends on sooo many sunny days smacking lips, driving trains, and tucking into barrels of fun. There is another place in Africa that I have gotten to surf in recent times that actually takes me back to days of my youth. I may not look good to anyone else, but in my mind, I'm ripping it up!

The biggest tube you ever made?

Most memorable one was probably my first backside at Gas Chambers, between Rocky Point and Pupukea. I can still feel the slow motion of dropping in and about half way down seeing this large curtain of waterfall right in front of me for what seemed like forever. Time stood still for me and took the mental photo which is poster sized to this day.

Any advice for the novices around?

Learn about the ocean, waves, surfing etiquette first. Ride the biggest board you are comfortable with so you can catch waves. Take the time to enjoy the water, the air, your surroundings, and all that God has made.

What are you working on, at the moment?

Lots of standup paddle boards. It's a GREAT way to exercise, and balance training. Plus you can do it if it’s flat or on nearly any body of water.

What do you see as a challenge in your life and in the sport?

Life is a continual challenge (here's another book I could write!) So I choose to meet it head on with God's help and instruction. Water sports are so much fun, that crowds are definitely a factor and a challenge. Finding a spot with just a few friends is a continual quest that I’ll continue to enjoy the pursuit.

And your best?

Catching and riding my first wave!

What is your limit as to what you would never do in the sport?

I’m pretty sure that you will never see me out at Jaws (Peahi), Mavericks, The Cortez Bank, Teahupoo, or any other spot resembling Niagara Falls.

What are the other occupations (and fetishes) that occupy you're mind besides the sport?

Bible Study, golf, books, movies, dining.

What makes life worth living for you?

My God, my family, my friends.

Are you seeing anyone special at the moment?

Yes, I am seeing my wife Patty on a regular and very intimate basis.

What kind of woman do you like?

Godly, fun loving, blonde . . . Just like Patty!

What kind of humor do you like?

Dry, sarcastic, slapstick, corny, any kind that makes me laugh.

What is your life philosophy if you have any?

Love God with my whole heart, soul, and mind, love and do unto others as I would have them do to me.

Are there any thing in you're life that you regretted doing or not doing?

Life is too busy and presents too many challenges daily to be encumbered with regrets.

What are the thing that can really nerve or irritate you in this life?

A missed putt to tie or win a match.

How do you like people to treat you?

How ever they want is fine by me.

What characteristics do you like in people?

Honesty, humorous, true humility, don't take themselves so serious.

What are your personal strengths? And weaknesses?

I'm strongest when I'm aware of my weaknesses.

Can you name a few well known people (in any field you like) that you admire or have admired? And why?

Billy Graham (famous evangelist), in addition to his love for God and others, he is one who truly has found favor with both God and man. Woody Brown (legendary surfer) he was a GREAT waterman way before it was cool. Byron Nelson (hall of fame golfer) handled greatness with humility and grace and has his priorities in order. My grandfather loved everyone, and everyone loved him.

What are the things that in this life you would like to accomplish?

Watch my grandkids grow, make positive impressions and inspire others, break par regularly.

If you’ve had to compare yourself to an animal or any other force of nature? What would that be and why?

I would be an eagle, because they are better than birdies, and help guard against bogeys.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with me, us and the readers of the website?

Hmm . . . another book?

Ed Angulo paddleboard at play