by Rini Sampath
At Rise Bar, we’ve had the pleasure of speaking to some of the most talented and passionate people on this planet. From surfers to runners, veterans to rock climbers, the list of Rise Bar High Risers continues to grow along with our company. Hank Gaskell, our latest and greatest selection, hails from a small Hawaiian town called Hana, and is making serious waves in the surfing scene. We’re happy to have had a chance to chat with him.
“From a young age I feel like the beach was my primary babysitter,” Gaskell said. “My mom and dad, as well as a few of my friend’s parents would take us surfing almost every day. I always loved it, and it just so happens that I got good enough to have a career at it!”
His accomplishments range from winning the 2009 Xcel Pro to the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 3-Star Copa Quicksilver in El Salvador. He attributes his successes to the influence of his family. He believes that the highlight of his surfing career was winning the 3-Star.
“One of my best friends, Dege O'Connell was in the man on man final with me,” Gaskell described. “After I won, Dege and another one of my best friends, Makana Eleogram carried me up the beach, where my girl was waiting for me with her pretty smile and a kiss.”
As much as Gaskell values his friends, he admires his family. His mother, in particular, is his role model.
Gaskell said, “My mom is one of the best people I know, simply because of her positive outlook on life. She doesn't have a bad bone in her body and has always been very loving and supportive of my sister and me.”
Besides surfing, Gaskell enjoys diving. When he’s not exploring beautiful reefs and seeing whole new underwater worlds, Gaskell enjoys playing basketball, tennis and practicing yoga. To complement his active lifestyle, Gaskell fuels up on a diet of fresh fish, fruit and home-grown vegetables.
But he’s not always on the go. After all, every man needs a break. When we asked him what his guilty pleasure is, he answered with a laugh, “Sometimes I like to get a little lazy.”
We’re looking forward to seeing this small-town gem grow into an all-star athlete.
