This was a fun one. Bábàc Saiedi is our guest on today’s episode and his appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s culture, people and natural beauty resonates in his stories. When he moved from Oklahoma to Honolulu nearly ten years ago, he found a community of like-minded individuals where he could be his authentic self. He enjoys working in technology and spends most of his free time outdoors trying to eke out every sunrise and sunset. Early on, his friends introduced him to surfing and he fell in love with the adventures he’s had on his board - both awesome and wildly humbling. In this conversation, he shares the gratitude he has for surfing in that it creates a sense of “being in the now.” Hang loose, friends.

Episode Highlights

1:11 Falling in love with Hawaiʻi

2:10 Moving from Oklahoma, surfing his first wave

3:19 Finding community and feeling the freedom to be his authentic self

6:03 What connects you so deeply with Hawaiʻi? 

8:51 Observations and openness to learning about Hawaiian culture

11:33 Surfing brings you to the present moment

14:42 Memorable waves in Waikīkī

16:53 Taking waves - and life - at face value

18:08 THE WAVE (circa 2019)

23:53 North Shore ready

24:45 Staying fit and healthy as we age

26:17 The dream is living and retiring in Hawaiʻi

26:47 Hawaiʻi's cost of living: leave, earn and return

28:57 Share aloha, receive aloha

Show Art Photo Credit: @photosbybeccahawaii

Host and Producer: Molly Mamaril

Guitarist: Amund Gismervik