| "Buttons" Kaluhiokalani: the iconic progressive surfer of the 70s |
| Friday, 01 June 2012 09:58 |
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Montgomery "Buttons" Kaluhiokalani is a surf legend. The boy with the open smile blew the 1970's with a set of surf lines and maneuvers, which were featured in the timeless surf movie "Many Classic Moments".
His famous African hair was a trademark and surf photographer Jeff Divine captured his iconic finger peace sign picture. At 21, he won Sunkist Malibu Pro and surfed the Pipe Masters and the Sunset World Cup. As an amateur surfer, Montgomery Kaluhiokalani has 100 wins in his career. Eddie Rothman once called him the innovator of modern day surfing. Buttons was the first to perform a carving 360 on film and his pocket surfing and skateboard inspired maneuvers were relevant surfing revolutions.
Later, "Buttons" had problems with drugs. Fortunately, he recovered and decided to live another life. He founded the Buttons Surf School and teaches kids how to ride waves. At 51, "Buttons" Kaluhiokalani was towed into a big wave, at Teahupoo, Tahiti. Today, the progressive surfer has seven kids and enjoys quiet family life. His favourite surf spot is Backyards, in the Oahu's North Shore. Watch Montgomery "Buttons" Kaluhiokalani featured in the "Many Classic Moments" surf movie. |











