Corky: Huntington Beach family shares their love of surfing, aloha spirit

Through the decades, Orange County has been home to many of the great “surfing families:” The Hoffmans, the Alters, the Sizemores, the Calhouns, the Fletchers, on and on … it’s a great place to both surf and raise a family.

Today I wanna talk about one of the biggest and coolest Surf Ohanas (Hawaiian word for family) that currently live and thrive right here in Huntington Beach. The Pais.

This is a huge family and they all surf, work and play together. It’s amazing.

At this summer’s induction ceremony for the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, of which Aaron Pai is the host of each year, and they were foolish enough to give me the microphone, I couldn’t help but notice and point out, “They got more Pais out here than Marie Callender’s.” It’s true.

Aaron Pai, the dad, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. The family moved to California when he was a kid and he became a surfer.

There is a huge difference between “became a ‘surfer’” and “learned to surf.” Aaron (AP is what everybody calls him) is a true, full-blooded “SURFER.” He also owns Huntington Surf & Sport. At this point I am going to let him tell it in his own words.

“I fell in love with surfing. It was 1968 and I got to see legends like David Nuuhiwa, Corky Carroll, Dwight Dunn, Carl Hayward, Bob Hurley charge Northside. Every summer I got to stay at Grandma Choi’s. She owned some apartments in Waikiki and I surfed Pops, Threes, Canoes

“(I) surfed all day … then I would come home to Grandma Choi’s and she would have a huge dinner prepared where everyone was welcomed! Everyone was welcomed at Grandma Choi’s!

“She taught me what “aloha spirit” was all about! Grandma Choi was a small woman with a huge heart!

“As a teenager I surfed Northside every day … saw surf movies at the surf theater … camped out at the cliffs at 16 years old … at School I wrote stories about surfing … and dreamed of owning a surf shop.

“Fast forward to 1978 and that is when the first Huntington Surf & Sport opened on 15th Street and PCH in Huntington Beach. I was surfing Northside and got hired out in the water to work at Huntington Surf & Sport. I was the first person to be hired at HSS and earned $2.65 per hour. I sold surf wax, surfboards, wetsuits.

“They offered to sell the business to me. With the help of my mom and dad – my mom (was) a teacher and my dad (was) a structural engineer – I borrowed $60,000 and my dream of owning a surf shop became reality! I was stoked to be able to take my love for surfing and build it into the walls, foundation and all of Huntington Surf & Sport.

“I was also stoked to take Grandma Choi’s “aloha spirit” and share it with all the guests that walk through our doors at HSS!”

In 1985, Aaron Pai married his wife, Sher, and the couple had Lindsay, Trevor, Taylor and Ashlyn Pai, who all have worked at the store. And that is when the family really began to grow and Aaron continued:

“Then, Lindsay married Scotty. Trevor married Jenna. Taylor married Delany and Ashlyn is engaged to Alrik. Lindsay and Scotty have four kids: Rosie, Izzy, Goldie and Sid. Trevor and Jenna have three kids: Rooney, Toby, Murphy. Taylor and Delany have three kids: Finn, Jones, Zowie.

“That makes 20 of us in DA PAI FAMILY! We all share a love for the ocean and surfing. Surfing is our life. We are a Surfing Family!

“Today, Sid is the youngest (5 years old) and charges the waves and I am the oldest and still surfing today!

“This past summer, the Pai Family was very honored to be the official Huntington Beach Community Grand Marshals of the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade.

“Now it’s 2023, the Pai Family’s passion for surfing and family has got us to where we are today. We have four stores (and an online store) all located in Huntington Beach and are dedicated to maintaining a hardcore commitment to our surfing community, along with making our world a better place through surfing. It’s a true joy to share Grandma Choi’s aloha spirit every day with the guests and the work crew that walk through our doors of HSS.

“It’s a true joy to be able to wake up, go to work, and see my family.”

Pretty cool huh? Hey, for me, it’s a true joy just to know these guys and that they exist. In this day and age where “family values” seem to have generally eroded to a large degree, it makes me happy to realize that ones like the Pai Ohana still exist and thrive.

Good on ya AP. And, lastly, who cannot dig a family that has a kid named Zowie?

A family-owned brewery is opening in north Scottsdale.

What to know about Pinnacle Brewing

Family-owned Pinnacle Brewing Company is opening a new craft brewery in north Scottsdale in early 2024.

Located at the corner of Hayden Road and North 82nd Street, the brewery was named after Pinnacle Peak and, according to the website, is a reminder of the family’s mindset of striving to reach their peak.

The brewery is being opened by Bob, Mary and their son Wyatt Wilson, a graduate of Olds College’s Brewmaster & Brewery Operations Management program in Alberta, Canada. His experience includes stints at award-winning craft breweries like Dust Bowl Brewing Company in California and Monkless Belgian Ales in Oregon.

Read the full article.

Sugar Jam at Airpark Corner Square

Sugar Jam – The Southern Kitchen is coming to town!

For nearly 6½ years Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro has made their home in the Scottsdale Airpark.  Renowned for their pies, baked goods and satisfying comfort food, Executive Chef and Owner Dana Dumas is making a move to “Front Street!”  We are excited to announce that her new concept is coming to the Airpark Corner Square.  Renamed Sugar Jam – The Southern Kitchen, their new home will be located at 15111 N. Hayden Road.  Opening date will be January 29th, 2021.  Dana Dumas, a.k.a. “The Pie Lady”, will feature her southern delights such as Fried Chicken & Waffles, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Creole Shrimp N Grits, Catfish Po’ Boys, Mac N Cheese, Collard Greens, and don’t forget her Famous Pies and Baked Goods. 

Dana will be serving up her delectable fare breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Oh! And we can’t forget to mention her weekend Brunch is beyond DELICIOUS! 

Are you hungry?  Call 480-948-6210 or better yet, please stop by.  There is so much more.  Sugar Jam is on the move! 

Surfers Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees

2019 SURFERS’ HALL OF FAME
ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 2ND AT 9:00 AM


https://i.shgcdn.com/09af80e9-fbee-465f-b5d0-2a0658a7bb5d/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/

Kai Lenny

Kai Lenny, a champion big wave surfer, stand-up paddle surfer and racer, surfer, tow-in surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer and overall watersports enthusiast will be inducted into the 2019 Surfers’ Hall of Fame. Lenny will his hand and footprints immortalized in cement for the ages on Friday, August 2nd at 9am in front of Huntington Surf and Sport.

“Kai Lenny is one of the most progressive and amazing Big (and small) Wave Surfers on the Planet with endless amounts of God given talent,” said Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai. “We are honored and excited to induct Kai into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame this Summer!”


Sam Hawk, a standout power surfer in the 1970s, is the first announced inductee to the 2019 Surfers’ Hall of Fame. Born in 1950 in South Gate, Hawk first started surfing at age fourteen in Huntington Beach. As one of the renowned Hawk surfing clan that includes Tom and their late brother Chris, Sam helped shape the local surf culture in the 1960s and ’70s.

“Sam Hawk is a huge legend of our surfing world”, said Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai.”Back in the day Sam was one of the best surfers here and in the big surf of Hawaii, and he has been a master shaper since the ’70s. We are super stoked to be able to thank Sam for all his contributions and achievements to our sport of surfing.”

https://i.shgcdn.com/5888737f-091f-43de-b106-de967d916c9a/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/

Sam Hawk


https://i.shgcdn.com/7edb77a4-960b-463b-afa9-35da96f6e062/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/

Janice Aragon

Janice Aragon, winner of the ISA World Surfing Games and NSSA Nationals, the first woman to judge a world professional tour event and current executive director of the NSSA is among the legendary surfers being inducted into the 2019 Surfers’ Hall of Fame.

“Janice Aragon is a true surfing champion and surfing legend that has impacted our sport and generations of surfers in a huge, positive way,” said Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai. “We are honored to induct Janice into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.”


  The Surfers’ Hall of Fame celebrated its first induction in 1997 inside of specialty retailer Huntington Surf & Sport where several slabs remain. Four years later with the blessing of the City Council and a stunning bronze statue of sport’s spiritual leader Duke Kahanamoku serving as a backdrop, the ceremony moved outside to the corner of PCH and Main; less than 100 feet from the famed Huntington Beach Pier, site of the U.S. Open of Surfing.Text

https://i.shgcdn.com/e3894e19-ec98-4bef-a6ac-7f69b8f1d323/-/stretch/off/-/resize/2000x/-/quality/normal/
https://i.shgcdn.com/d8a5312b-949f-44bf-8550-40364d4645a2/-/stretch/off/-/resize/2000x/-/quality/normal/

  Annually, tens of thousands of visitors to Huntington Beach’s downtown area literally walk in the footsteps of surfing superstars and legends from several eras including Laird Hamilton, Mike Doyle, Jack O’Neill, Robert August, Greg Noll, Jericho Poppler, Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Martin Potter, Al Merrick, Shaun Tomson and Rob Machado who are already immortalized in cement.

  Styled after the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, which Aaron Pai visited as a youngster, the Surfers’ Hall of Fame is intended to “connect the generations of surfers with a lasting tribute and permanent public showcase for the achievements of those who have shaped and revolutionized the sport,” said Pai. The standing room only crowd on induction day is testament to the landmark’s popularity and the surfing community’s acknowledgment of their heroes.

2019 inductees into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame

Janice Aragon, Sam Hawk and Kai Lenny named 2019 inductees into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame

Kai Lenny at the Jaws Challenge at Pe’ahi in Maui, Hi, USA in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Kenneth Morris/WSL)

Kai Lenny at the Jaws Challenge at Pe’ahi in Maui, Hi, USA in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Kenneth Morris/WSL)

By LAYLAN CONNELLY | lconnelly@scng.com | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: June 4, 2019 at 4:25 pm | UPDATED: June 5, 2019 at 12:01 pm

Previous

Janice Aragon, executive director of the National Scholastic Surfing Association, stands with some of the names of past national champions of NSSA at the recent competition held in Huntington Beach. ( Photo by Mark Rightmire, The Orange County Register/SCNG)

Next

1 of 5

Janice Aragon, executive director of the National Scholastic Surfing Association, stands with some of the names of past national champions of NSSA at the recent competition held in Huntington Beach. ( Photo by Mark Rightmire, The Orange County Register/SCNG)

That pro surfer competing among the best in the world?

If the surfer was raised in the waves in North America or Hawaii, chances are he or she was groomed by Janice Aragon and the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) while coming up in the amateur ranks — and Aragon foresaw stardom long before it happened.

ADVERTISING

Aragon, along with Huntington Beach icon Sam Hawk and Hawaiian phenom Kai Lenny, are this year’s Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductees, organizers announced Monday, June 3. They will be honored in a celebration Aug. 2 in front of Huntington Surf and Sport.

The three will be added to the long list of icons who have put their hands and feet in cement at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, near where a statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern-day surfing, looks out toward the Pacific Ocean.

Hawk, a power surfer born in South Gate in 1950, first took waves in Huntington Beach. He is one of the renowned Hawk surfing clan that includes his brother Tom and their late brother Chris, all of whom helped shape the Huntington Beach surf culture in the 1960s, according to the announcement.

“Sam Hawk is a huge legend of our surfing world,” said Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai, in the news release. “Back in the day, Sam was one of the best surfers here and in the big surf of Hawaii, and he has been a master shaper since the ’70s. We are super stoked to be able to thank Sam for all his contributions and achievements to our sport of surfing.”

He moved to the North Shore of Oahu in 1967 and by 1971 had established himself as one of the most advanced regular-foot surfers at Banzai Pipeline, as well as Sunset Beach and Rocky Point. He still lives on the North Shore.

Hawk finished fourth at the 1972 Pipeline Masters contest and placed third in the 1974 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. He was an apprentice for surfboard shaper Dick Brewer in the early 1970s, then went on to become a board maker under Brewer’s label before branching out on his own.

Sign up for our Coast Lines newsletter, a weekly digest of news and features on how the residents of the SoCal coast are building ties to their changing environment. Subscribe here.

He will join his brother Chris as a Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductee. Chris Hawk, who lived in San Clemente, was inducted in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away shortly after.

Aragon is a former competitive surfer who has made a huge imprint on the careers of young surfers across the country.

She was born in 1955 in Fresno, raised in Downey and first picked up surfing at age 16. Aragon won her first surfing contest in 1983 at age 29, chasing competitive dreams while raising two children.

Aragon won the 1984 ISA World Championships in Huntington Beach, helping lead the U.S. to a team victory. She won the NSSA Nationals, one of amateur surfing’s most prestigious events, in 1985. She was hired as an NSSA competition judge in 1986, and the following year broke new ground in surfing becoming the first woman to judge a professional world tour event, working the Op Pro Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach.

Aragon was hired as the NSSA’s executive director in 1989, a role she still holds three decades later.

Thousands of young surfers have gone through the NSSA ranks. Most never became professional surfers, but some used their early teachings to propel them to be the best in the sport. They include champions such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and Carissa Moore, as well as current local Orange County World Tour surfers Courtney Conlogue, Kolohe Andino and Kanoa Igarashi.

Despite his young age, Lenny already has excelled in several sports that involve the sea.

The Hawaiian surfer’s parents dipped him in the Maui shorebreak within a week of being born in 1992. He was charging big waves by age five, windsurfing at six, stand-up paddling at seven and kitesurfing at nine. He had his first sponsor before age 10, according to organizers of the Hall of Fame.

Lenny is a familiar face around Orange County, a regular competitor at the now defunct Battle of the Paddle and winning the SUP world title several years. In 2014, he finished fourth in the grueling 32-mile Molokai 2 Oahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships. The following year he came in second and then in 2016, he not only won the title but set a new record.

It’s his prowess in massive waves that has put a brighter spotlight on Lenny, who has been charging Maui’s Jaws, one of the world’s gnarliest waves, since age 16.

This year, he won the WSL Big Wave Awards for Overall Performance and XXL Biggest Wave Award at a ceremony in Redondo Beach for a wave he took at Jaws in November.

THEORY R PROPERTIES MARKS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON EXPANSION AT ONE OF SURF CITY’S PREMIER LOCATIONS

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (PRWEB) JULY 02, 2017

Theory R Properties, is pleased to announce that Morris Construction in conjunction with architect Team Design, are making excellent progress to the 3-phase expansion project at the iconic Pierside Pavilion, which will be rebranded the Huntington Surf and Sport Building and sits across from the Pier on Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. When complete, there will be an additional 30,000 square feet housed in a 4-story building. The expansion will house high-end retail on the ground floor, a 2nd floor upscale restaurant with a rooftop terrace and two floors of office space.

Theory R Properties which purchased the building in 2002, commenced a significant remodel and addition to the property in 2016. Phase I which consisted of a refacing and expansion of store fronts to the drip-line was recently completed by renowned architect and owner of Team Design, Jeff Bergsma. Mr. Bergsma designed the entire project consisting of 3 phases. Phase II is the complicated installation of new elevator banks, stairway access to BLK restaurant and a clearing of the courtyard in preparation for phase III which will be the construction of a new tower. Team Design has worked in concert with Morris Construction on Phase II which is nearing completion this summer.

The new restaurant space will offer a sprawling 8,000 square feet to a fine dining establishment. It will include a gourmet kitchen, upscale finishes and plenty of attraction allowing a new business to thrive. The seating space includes a large indoor area as well as a partially covered terrace. The most exquisite piece of this space is the large rooftop terrace where diners can enjoy the beautiful views that Huntington Beach has to offer.

Over 10,000 square feet of the new expansion are dedicated to office suites, some including balcony space with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

“This is an exciting project and opportunity to design and construct a more contemporary look to this landmark building where visitors tend to congregate due to its premier location” stated Mr. Bergsma.

Chris Morris, President of Morris Construction, added “there is a lot of complexity when building at and even below sea level. We were delighted to be selected by Theory R Properties for our expertise in this area and look forward to what promises to be an outstanding finished product.”

Currently, Huntington Surf and Sport Building is a collection of bustling shops, offices and restaurants in nearly 90,000 square feet of existing space. The new addition will increase the overall square footage to over 120,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space. Existing shopping and dining establishments include Huntington Surf & Sport, Volcom, Hurley, Haviannas, Subway, BLK, Ponderosa Steak House, Gallagher’s Pub and Grill, Fred’s Mexican Café and George’s Grill.

Gary Daichendt, owner of Theory R Properties, stated “I could not be more delighted in working with Bergsma and Morris and the progress we have made.”

THEORY R PROPERTIES WELCOMES ENVIDA AND BAD ELF TO ITS ECHO PARK FACILIT

THEORY R PROPERTIES ADDS TWO NEW TENANTS TO ECHO PARK FACILITY
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (PRWEB) OCTOBER 06, 2016
Envida and Bad Elf have just relocated to the newly remodeled Echo Executive Business Park unit of Southwest Jet Center in Scottsdale, AZ., announced Theory R Properties, owner, leasing and managing agent for the 100,000-square-foot property.

Envida is a leading digital marketing and social media agency. For over 10 years, Envida has earned the reputation as the go-to powerhouse for businesses and brands to create online buzz. With a client list ranging from national restaurant chains to the biggest property management companies in America. Envida was voted one of the Top Social Media Agencies by Ranking AZ and the featured social media experts on the syndicated show ‘The List TV.’

“Envida selected Echo Executive Bussiness Park and our new office space based on the well-executed remodel and space layout. The Property Managers were super easy to work with and very accommodating to our needs,” said Candie Guay, Co-owner at Envida Group.

Bad Elf envisions, designs, and manufactures niche hardware and software with an emphasis on Apple’s “Made for iPod” program. Bad Elf’s team spans the USA geographically and shares over a decade of shared work and personal history. The Bad Elf team mixes decades of experience and expertise in embedded hardware, firmware, middleware, and application software.

“Our suite at Echo Executive Business Park was recently remodeled and has a very modern design with lots of windows and high ceilings, and we love the proximity to great restaurants in Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter. The Propery Manager has been extremely responsive to our needs and we look forward to growing with them,” said Brett Hackleman, CTO/Co-founder of Bad Elf.

“Envida Group and Bad Elf are both an excellent fit with our existing tenant roster,” said Chris Scheideler, Senior Property Manager for Theory R Properties. “As we continue to expand and diversify Echo Executive Business Park’s mix, these tenants will add a new and exciting element for existing tenants and the community at large.”

Located just off of 75th street and N. Airport Drive in Scottsdale and in close proximity to both Kierland and the Scottsdale Quarter, Echo Executive Business Park offers office suites that implement a modernized theme with industrial style ceilings, refreshing flooring, glass store-front private offices and upscale kitchenettes.

Echo Executive Business Park was virtually empty when purchased by Theory R in 2015 and subsequently underwent an extensive renovation. It is nearly at capacity now with only two remaining office suite availabilities that range from 800 square feet to 3,000 square feet.

“Location plays a pivotal role in the success of many businesses. Outstanding demographics and proximity to thriving areas are among many factors that attract new tenants. We expect both to enjoy great success here,” said Scheideler.

POLYCOM APPOINTS GARY DAICHENDT TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Aug 06, 2015:

Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM) today announced that it has appointed Gary Daichendt to the Polycom Board of Directors effective August 5, 2015. Daichendt’s expansive career as a senior officer of leading organizations provides him broad expertise in senior management, strategy and operational excellence, as well as an extensive understanding of the global IT industry.

Daichendt served as Executive Vice President Worldwide Operations at Cisco, where he was responsible for global sales, support, distribution, manufacturing and strategic alliances. He spent eight years at Wang Laboratories, serving as its Vice President of Central Operations and Vice President of Marketing. He was also President and Chief Operating Officer at Nortel Networks and spent 10 years in various sales, marketing and management positions at IBM.

“I am delighted to welcome Gary Daichendt to the Polycom Board of Directors,” said Kevin Parker, Chairman of the Board, Polycom. “Gary brings significant business strategy, customer focus and technology expertise through his previous senior executive roles at large global companies, which aligns perfectly to Polycom’s market opportunity and focus on driving profitable growth. Gary will be a great addition to the board, and we look forward to working closely with him.”

The Polycom Board now has eight members.

Daichendt also has extensive experience in public company corporate governance. Currently, he serves on the boards of NCR Corporation and Juniper Networks, Inc. Previously, he served on the boards of ShoreTel, Inc. and Emulex Corporation.

“I am excited to join Polycom at such an interesting and compelling time for the unified communications and collaboration industry,” said Gary Daichendt. “I am looking forward to partnering with the other members of the board and working with Peter Leav and the leadership team to help Polycom accelerate its business.”