Meet August's Surf Squad Member of the Month: Rhonda Jones
Hawaiian South Shore's Member of the Month August 2023 - Rhonda Jones
We're pumped to spotlight Rhonda as this month's featured surfer. She first discovered her passion for surfing in the 90s, taking a decade off before courageously getting back on the board in 2017.
For Rhonda, surfing represents community, creative expression, and healing. She loves the feeling of acceptance the ocean provides. Her favorite post-surf spot is Diamond Head Market & Grill.
Rhonda recently got a 9'0" TJ Pro V longboard from us that she loves for its fast, responsive feel in overhead surf. She's stoked to compete with the Hawaii Surfing Association again this year.
When and why did you initially get into surfing?
My family enjoyed most weekends and holidays at the beach. In the early 90’s, surfing was a natural progression from bodyboarding and bodysurfing. And I wanted to try everything the boys were doing – surfing and skateboarding. I fell in love immediately.
Did you have a time period you laid off from surfing? If so, when and why did you start back up?
I took almost ten years off from surfing due to serious injuries and alcoholism. At times, I was unable to walk for up to 6 months after surgeries requiring permanent plates and screws. In 2016, I made the decision to get sober, and started surfing again in August 2017. I returned to contest surfing in late 2022.
What is your favorite thing about surfing?
Surfing fosters radical acceptance. The ocean is a place of community, creative expression, and healing.
Where is your favorite place to eat after surfing?
It depends on where I’m surfing... But the miso ginger salmon with their farm fresh greens at Diamond Head Market & Grill is a go-to!
What is your favorite item on the menu?
miso ginger salmon
What other hobbies do you have besides surfing?
I'm an artist and make valued-added products, but time is limited after surfing and managing business.
Over the years, I realized I need to do less to accomplish more.
What type of work do you do?
I’m a small business owner for project management, and part-time farmer managing operations for a floriculture and breadfruit farm in Waiahole.
Tell us about the board you recently purchased from us. What model and size is it, and how do you like its performance?
TJ Pro V – Thunderbolt Red 9’0” with the Flying Diamond TJ quad set. This is my preferred performance longboard! I enjoy it most in overhead conditions – it’s light, fast, loose, and responsive. This is a great board for anyone trying to advance their surfing.
Do you have any additional comments?
More women and girls should consider joining the Hawaii Surfing Association! Shout out to Brent Clem at The Shop who shapes my favorite traditional logs and recently added me as a team rider.
Mahalo to Brett and Dave at Hawaiian South Shore - Go to these guys if you're not sure where to start. The surfing industry has made major advancements in equipment in the decade I was out of the water. These guys never made me feel dumb for asking kooky questions. Their advice has been valuable - providing guidance on boards, and fins, and even recommending a leash that I actually use!
