RACING WITH ALOHA is part adventure tale, part spiritual memoir,
enchanting anyone who loves the water, who longs for the timeless
mystique of the Hawaiian Islands, and who relishes the idea that life
can unfold effortlessly and exactly as it should.
No one knows who first put a sail on a surfboard, but everyone would
agree that Fred Haywood pioneered the sport of windsurfing. Few know he
is also an Olympic contender who swam a record-breaking backstroke
alongside his friend Mark Spitz. Before he discovered speed sailing, he
surfed with the likes of Gerry Lopez, exploring exotic undiscovered surf
spots around the world. Only his friends know how growing up on the
island of Maui influenced him to carry his success with humility and
generosity, stressing camaraderie over competition and preferring fun
over fanfare.
RACING WITH ALOHA weaves throughout the inspiration Fred Haywood's dad
instilled in him, which blended a pervasive commitment to accomplishment
with a liberating attitude that all is well, all the time. Fred embodied
his father's lessons to become a professionally successful, easygoing,
sincerely humble man who is respected and beloved by all--friends and
competitors alike.
RACING WITH ALOHA is a delightful story that will enchant anyone who
loves or longs for the timeless mystique of the Hawaiian Islands. Young
readers will delight in the story of a youth who swam with sharks--by
accident, of course--and who was as surprised as his coach and teammates
to find himself featured in Sports Illustrated magazine. Water
aficionados will long for the days of surfing undiscovered beaches. And
the countless windsurfing enthusiasts who trekked to Maui in the 1980s,
following in Fred's wake, will relish the memories he shares of
windsurfing Ho'okipa, the legendary beach still boasting some of the
biggest waves in the world.
