North Shore on Politics

So I am in Hawaii right now, speaking to another group on political advocacy.  And naturally I had to watch one of the greatest movies of all time on my way here - North Shore.

Now if you aren't familiar - first of all your life has been wasted - but it is the story of Rick Kane, Arizona surfing champion (wavepool in Tempe, stop interrupting me) who goes to the North Shore of Hawaii to take on the surfing world.  Along the way he loses everything, makes new friends, learns valuable life lessons, and leaves Hawaii a champion.  No spoilers there, go watch it, it's pretty much the best movie ever made.



Now my ridiculousness aside, there are actually some pretty important lessons to learn from this -

DON'T EXPECT SOMETHING OFFERED TO BE DELIVERED
Rick goes to Hawaii on a whim, no place to stay other than a guy he met a year ago who offered him a room if Rick ever goes to Hawaii.  Rick shows up, the guy is a strip club bartender, and doesn't deliver.
Lesson - Always verify before you agree to someone's help.

NOT EVERYONE IS AS THEY SEEM
Rick idolizes Lance Burkhart in this movie - the big wave surfer who seems to be the pinnacle of the sport.  Despite all the magazine covers, sponsors, and accolades he has, the guy ends up being shallow, self centered and a cheat.
Lesson - Don't believe the hype

RESPECT IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN
Rick runs into a series of problems with a group of locals - Da Hui.  Locals who don't like haoles (mainlanders) riding their waves, talking to their women, or them in general to be honest.  Until he proves himself, at which point he gains their respect, trust and mostly their acceptance (He's still from Arizona after all).  It wasn't that the Hui was the enemy, it was about respect.
Lesson - Protect your reputation, trust and respect, and don't give any of them away

VICTORIES DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TROPHIES
Chandler - legendary Hawaiian shaper - teaches Rick that winning isn't about money, fame, attention or trophies, but about the experience and what you gain from the experience.  The win is trophy enough.
Lesson - winning is not defined by who stands on a podium

DON'T LOSE TO YOUR OWN EGO
Everyone struggles with this in the movie.  Turtle, Rick, Chandler, The Professor, Kiani, Vince and Da Hui - Everyone.  But in remembering the sage advice of Turtle, all is won -

''Round Here we treat friends mo betta." - Turtle

Lesson - don't disrespect others to advance your own agenda.

The only person who ends up losing in the end is Lance, who loses out because of his ego.

So yeah, I did just make you read about the 1987 movie North Shore, now don't be a kook and go watch it.