Comments for Lewis Laughlin - a Tribute at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 9 out of 9 comments http://www.surfski.info Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:50:19 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_1016 Congratulations to our local Champion Lewis Laughlin who is still leading all the surfski races in Tahiti. Good luck in Durban. - Moana Teamo Sat, 23 Jun 2007 08:57:56 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_944 I met Lewis at the King of the Harbour race in 2002 in Cape Town. Lewis, Hank McGregor and Herman Chalupsky took turns killing each other up front with Herman prevailing over Lewis. At one point in the race Lewis had to back paddle to remove kelp from his rudder, then he bent the sucker and he found the water in Cape Town so cold -- remember it's hot as Hades in Tahiti -- that he struggled to get lose early on and had to kill himself to catch Herman late in the race. After the awards ceremony, I bumed into Lewis sitting by himself in the shade. He appeared emotionally deflated and physically shot. And yet he'd overcome enough obstacles to call it "one of my best races ever." Near the end of our conversation, in his typically understated way, he said: "I believed I would win, but I accept what happened." His words struck me as a wise approach to racing, maybe even living. After so many top finishes at Molokai it's rewarding to see this classy guy come through. - glick Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:31:49 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_943 Great article Deano. Having known Lewis for many years I do agree with all you have said. Could the mystery paddler be Nalu Kukea? A number of top five finishes and still very fast! - Mark Buck Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:26:43 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_942 I would guess that Deano is referring to Martin Kenny. He has had a number of top 5 finishes at Molokai and would have what it takes. - Barnesy Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:21:44 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_941 Come on, tell us who the lazy bastard who needs to get off his butt and start training is! - Gary Kroukamp Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:17:19 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_940 Those of you who don't paddle with Deano every day, should know that 'praise' is more rare than a Molokai headwind. The only bloke I know who is as humble and gracious as Lewis is Deano himself. Well written mate: a top read, written by a top bloke about a top bloke. Now go smash em in Durbs. Poor fellas, don't know what they are in for...Deano, Tim, Dave and Murray?...oh my...the damage will be significant. :-* - Karl Treacher Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:07:44 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_939 Dean, well said man! I could not have put it better. I agree with you that on the day, the guy that should've won DID win. Lewis is truly both a champion and a gentleman. RESPEK! Dawid Mocke - DawidMocke Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:06:40 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_938 Here in French Polynesia, we are very happy for Lewis. He is the kindest top paddler. Even if you are the last one to finish a race, not only he will talk to you but he will make you feel like it's an honnor for him to talk to you. He is trully the humble man you describe and again his victory is a great pleasure for every paddler in French Polynesia. If he is a king then long live the king ! - Colombani Hiro Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:38:38 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/427/156/#pc_937 I also dont know lewis that well but he seems a true gentleman to me. Again congratulations to Lewis. Ash Nesbit - Ash Nesbit Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:36:40 +0100