Makua Rothman has always been full of aloha charm, and now it’s resonating into a growing musical career. Taking a cue from the old sounds of Hawaii and blending it with his own modern twist, Makua is making music - and he’s making it sound good as is evident in our D-Side clip here with his song “Sweet Sunshine” playing in the background. Not only can this guy ride the biggest, gnarliest waves, but he can wail on the ukulele, too! Part I of Makua’s interview with Dibi Fletcher for The D-Side.

Part I of Makua’s interview with Dibi Fletcher for The D-Side:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIOyKC6tCsI&list=UU0Wv9LTgYUpG-p-fpSpscvg&index=1&feature=plcp

The D-Side With Makua Rothman: Part I

 Questions are left as written. That being said, some of you need to learn how to use Spell Check! - CF

Dibi's Russian contact Oleg was able to get Dibi a spot on Russian News TV as their American Guest Correspondent. Dibi will update Russian viewers on everything from American politics to pop culture.

Questions are left as written. That being said, some of you need to learn how to use Spell Check! - CF

Wich son gave you the biggest headache? And why…. - Ricard Oliveira

Just to remind you guys, I’ve left all the questions written as is. I’ve figured, why go out of my way to make some of you guys look smarter than you actually are and correct all your grammatical errors? Fuck that. - Christian

Hey Dibi, We met a few weeks ago, I stopped by the Astrodeck HQ and picked up the Barney in white and we talked about your Dad and the sandals named after him. I want to try to stop in soon and pick up a pair…Hope all is well…Take care! Oh as for a question ask Christian, or maybe you know…In reference to skateboarding what is wrong with mongol? Why is pumping mongol lame? - Richie Newhall

Dibi: I asked Greyson for his expert advice on this. Greyson: “First, it’s mongo. Second, it’s push. And third, it’s ugly.” And Christian said: “It’s nonfunctional and tiring.”

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This is for the Hey Dibi question section. My question is, Dibi do you think there are Hawaiian and Brazilian kids who rip harder than the OC kids but there never gonna be recognized as much cause of stupid phoney surfer stereotype? Or do you think they get enough coverage? Thanks. - Barry Blenkhorn

Dibi: What’s enough “coverage”? Kids used to surf because they loved it, now it’s about a sponsor. I think the whole thing has changed. And a lot of it? Not for the better.

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Hi there, Dibi. Putting all family loyalties, history and roots behind, just for the sake of this question, do you think you would have been drawn to surfing as an “outsider” looking in? - Brock Springer

Dibi: It’s really impossible to know, if I put all of my past aside like you suggest, I might not ever have had the chance to go to the beach or anything else. So I really can’t say.

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Dibi congrats on you and Herbie! Youv’e come a long ways babie! And you are still married to each other thru thick and thing! What is da secret to your success?? - Mark Hammy Bonaventura

Dibi: I’m not a quitter, and most of the stuff we might argue about, we already have, so why bother?

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Hi Dibi. Do you like Christian’s tattoos or not? And does he have a tattoo that says “MOM” - Rachel Carter

Dibi: I really don’t think about them one way or another, but I am glad he’s not a girl, ’cause like everything else, there is a double standard. No, “MOM” doesn’t seem to quite fit with the monster motif.

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Dibi and Christian, that photo of the two of you together…cherish those moments. Bruce Weber is a great photographer and he captures the moments so well but I think you two made it easy for him! - Alicia Hardwood

Dibi: Thanks, he’s really great to work with and I’ve been very fortunate to do so on quite a few occasions.

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What is some thing you think people are wrong about you and the family? - David Flemhing

Dibi: I think people generally think we’re much different than we are. We work hard, and are completely driven, have quirky senses of humor that others sometimes misunderstand. But I really don’t spend a lot of time analyzing what others think about us. It seems somewhat futile at this point.

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Christian, will your mom conduct any further interviews coming up for Dside or Juice? I’m a big fan! - Daniel Whelton

Dibi: Yes, I’ll do more D-Side. In fact, I talked to Jason Jessee the other day and he said he’d be stoked to do an interview, so as soon as he’s back down this way, we’re on!

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Hey Dibi, do you think surfing will get bigger or smaller as far as popularity? - Joseph Miligiani

Dibi: Bigger, more crowded, more money, less SOUL!!!

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Do you think Christian and Nathan would have made a name for themselves in surfing if they weren’t Herbie Fletcher’s sons? Not being a dick but just really wanted an honest answer. - Paul Gothard

Dibi: Their talent made them. We made it easy for them to go surfing, living at the beach, but they stood on their boards alone.

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Dibi san come to Japan with you to i welcome hole family! - Junichi Nishida

Dibi: Thank you for the invite, I’d love to come again. I think Japan and its people are amazing.

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Hey dibi I guess this is more a question for Christian but anyway if he could chose 3 sponsors to sponsor him who would he chose and i dont mean just surf brands but maybe a drink company, shoe company, you know whatever. thatd be sick if he answered thanks dibi! - Corey Jackson

Dibi: This is what Christian said: “Donald Trump, Virgin Airlines. But I can see no one treating me better than my mom. She’s always been behind me.” And he just walked out of my office laughing.

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IF I NAME MY FIRST BORN FLETCHER CAN YOU GIVE ME ASTRODECK FOR LIFE? JUST KIDDING! HA  HA HA IT WAS WORTH A SHOT!! - Rick Klievers

Dibi: Amusing. I wish Astrodeck made enough money to sponsor me!

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Where can I get a copy of Chop Suey Club? Was it ever released in regular theatres? Thanks. - Chris Hernandez

Dibi: No idea. Ebay, Amazon? I’m really not sure.

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Christian, please thank your mother. I really enjoy Hey Dibi and also The D Side Interviews. How refreshing and fun! Thanks so much for the wonderful read week after week! - Beth Waidmann

Dibi: Thanks for the support. I’m working on getting some more interviews, and as long as I keep getting questions, I’ll do my best to answer honestly.

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Do you think online and internet presence has ruined surfing? By that I mean with live webcams, everything being sales pitch with websites, magazines being online and not working on being a good publication, etc? - Micah Tolle

Dibi: I don’t think it’s one or two things that have taken the soul out of surfing, but all of it together has really made it way less cool in my opinion.

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Why don’t Nathan and Christian go on surf trips together? Used to see in the mags they always did with Herbie. Nathan still got a chip on his shoulder or what, man?!!!!!!!! - Jim Sullivan

Dibi: It was easy when they all lived at home, but they’re grown men now and it’s hard to get everyone’s schedule organized at the same time.

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Looks like the boys scored some fun out in New York. The Fletcher’s sure do live a life we all “can’t imagine!” Where were you on this trip, Dibi? - John Van Houten

Dibi: I was here sitting at my desk working. Not so glamorous, but a necessity.

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Individually speaking, what is your fondest memory of first Christian and then Nathan when they were groms? - Theresa Ohlani

Dibi: There are a million moments, thankfully, with both that have made my relationship with them extraordinary. It was all the little things; like watching them eat sandy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that they wanted to share with me. Laughing so hard, milk would come out their at the table. Making cookies for them when they came from school to share their day. All the stuff that might be taken for granted becomes the memories of the best we’ve had together.

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Why is Julian Schnabel so fascinated with the surfing world? He doesn’t surf. That ain’t surfing. freaking poser. Why are so many celebrities fascinated and claim to surf, it’s bullshit. Matthew Mcconaughafuck? That fat fuck Jack Osbourne? If what they do they think is surfing then FML! - Matt Downey

Dibi: Julian does surf and Herb’s made many boards for him. Yes, he doesn’t surf like Christian, but he has natural style and learned as a kid in Texas, where Herb first met him.

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Does Greyson snowboard anymore? I remember him in old ads with World and Ryan Scheckler. - Drew Simpton

Dibi: Given the chance, yes. They just were focused on surfing and skating this season. I’m sure they’ll try to take a few trips in the coming season.

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Didn’t know CF was born in hawaii. he play peewee football at sunset elementary? lol. How long he was raised here before the move to cali? - Koa Reynolds

Dibi: We had Christian in Hawaii, but moved to Idaho to go skiing when he was two.

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Christian I see your folks name attached to John From Cin. what did they do? I know Greyson starred in. Thanks man, you are the Air Master! - Troy Shaw

Dibi: This is not Christian, but Dibi. We were consulting producers, and from the final product, I guess you can tell no one much listened to us.

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Dibi do you help Christian come up with all those really deep and sometimes funny questions? Not that I’m complaining! - Jennifer Fowler

Dibi: Christian has always been different than anyone gives him credit for, and maybe now others will get a glimpse of what I’ve always known.

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I ain’t voting for Obama again. I don’t know if I’ll vote for Christian. But Dibi? Hell yeah! Dibi Fletcher for Prez! Ya got a campaign manger? - Brian Friholtz

Dibi: Hope and change not working so great for you? I’d hate the job though, but I surely believe that we all deserve better.

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honestly speaking dibi, if christian was not written that letter by jeff booth and etc do you think that really started the drug spiral with christian or he would have gone down that way regardless of the letter? - tony ortega

Dibi: I don’t think most of life is predicated by one event, but more like the compounding of a series of events. Saying that, in hindsight, I believe that Christian ’s drug use was part of a series of poor choices.

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Hi Dibi, I really loved the photos of your beautiful mother. How gracious and elegant. I recall reading about your ballroom dancing as well. Is this another family gene much like surfing that’s in the family blood? - Helen Reynoldo

Dibi: I always took dancing as a kid, and got my mom into ballroom about 15 years ago. We used to go all over the country playing dress up together. It was a great time. But business got so difficult I really had to pay attention and just didn’t have the time to devote to a hobby.

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Do you think there should be drug testing in surfing WCT let alone all other sports? - Brent Luchman

Dibi: Whether I think there should be or not, it pretty irrelevant. I assume it’s just a matter of time. Dude, the government wants to dictate what light bulbs we use!

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Who or what do you not respect? - Clint Andreas

Dibi: I have no respect from the over-encroachment of the government on my civicl rights!

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THAT ANNIE LEVOBITZ PHOTO IS SO F–KING DOPE!!!! Any more shots like that? Any of Nathan from that shoot? - Michael Spurgess

Dibi: The photo is considered one of the top 100 photos of the 20th century. CF lucked out to be in it. Nathan wasn’t part of the shoot.

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Why CF looking for graphic artist when he has his own mom who is an artist! Step up CF come on dude!!!!! We’ve see it on Hey Dibi your mom’s the shit! Give her commission too! LOL!!!! - Eric Anthony

Dibi: We’ve got a whole new T-Shirt theme going that we’re all collaborating on, and I think they’ll be killer. Thanks for the vote of confidence though.

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Just to remind you guys, I’ve left all the questions written as is. I’ve figured, why go out of my way to make some of you guys look smarter than you actually are and correct all your grammatical errors? Fuck that. - Christian

Who do you think is the most villainous person of all time? - Albert Sagihara

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Just to remind you guys, I’ve left all the questions written as is. I’ve figured, why go out of my way to make some of you guys look smarter than you actually are and correct all your grammatical errors? Fuck that. - Christian

Christian Fletcher Painting by Dibi Fletcher

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Does Nathan still Weld dibi? - Yeman Stouch

Dibi: Yes, he’s made me some very interesting pieces. I think he’s quite talented.

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Hi Dibi  what is your take on organized religion? - Thomas Povey

Dibi: I think everyone wants to feel better about themselves and the world, and if joining a group of like-minded people is for you, great.

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Hey Dibi! I remember Nathan used to take flying license right? Did he ever get his pilot’s license.

Dibi: We started the lessons when he was 15, and he didn’t complete them then, but he came by last summer and got all the books, so I assume he’s wanting to start back up again. I’m stoked for him.

and here’s my #2 question seems like you’ve always supported your kids in whatever they wanted to do. What’s something you put your foot down and said “NO!” to? - Craig Osumi

Dibi: That’s hard, of course there have been stupid things that any young kid might do that I would have said no to; water balloon launchers out my Mom’s second story at the highway, etc. But anything that was interesting and exciting and pushed them to develop new skills, I’ll help anyway I can.

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Hi Dibi, am I crazy for being a huge fan of not only you Dibi but the whole fam Fletcher damily? Lol! - Jimmy Gould

Dibi: No crazier then any of the rest of us,I guess. It’s all just fun.

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Hey Dibi, how did you guys meet/know Annie Leibovitz. Really rad photo shoot with Malcom! - Ernie Bruhner

Dibi; My friend who worked with us for many years was friends with Lauren Hutton and Malcom. We were invited to the photo shoot and the rest is in the picture.

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Dibi, did you guys have nathan and christian seaparted by 5 years on purpose? just wonderen! - Mike Clancy

Dibi: Yes, I thought it was nice to let Christian get a chance to be a baby before having to grow up and be an older brother. He was quite a terror; but when Nathan came along he was a great help and he and Nathan had a grand time together.

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Hi Dibi, you are a beaut! I’m sure many of CF and NF’s friends had crushes on you! Is it true you went to CF’s school and embarrassed him with hot pants on? - Gregory Ross

Dibi: It wasn’t hot pants; it was a red leather mini skirt, fish net hose, purple suede boots, long rhinestone earrings, and I had pink stripes in my hair. Obviously, it worked because I never had to be a parent escort again, and Christian and I laugh about it to this day.

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Hi Dibi and Christian, thank you for adding me! I love all you Fletchers but Greyson puts a smile on my face! Can you ask Greyson what he wants for his bday? :P   - Jodie Kulver

Dibi: Probably to skate a great bowl, he’s a guy!

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Dibi! Ask your husband Herbie why he drops in on everyone!!! All the time!!!! - Rick Keegan

Dibi: Because he can!!!

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Dibs, I see you out but never in the water, why not? - Harris Puget

Dibi: Because I don’t go in unless the water’s really warm.

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any big wave escapades from nate so far this year? danny montoya

Dibi: He’s been riding huge waves. We’ve posted some photos on FB, and I’m sure they’re all over the internet if you want to search. He seems fearless.

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NO Fair CF you suck! Answer your own damn questions! ROFL! Ok fine! Ii’ll ask tu madre! Dibi Fletcher! What is something weird YOU and CF like to eat! - Tim O.

Dibi: Christian lived in Bali for some time and ate everything, UGH!!! I’m very health-conscious and eat very light.

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What’s up Dibi! Tell Greyson that I’m putting his vote in for Skater of the Year even though his name’s not on the ballot! Stupid fuckers! Greyson Fletcher all the way! - Kevin Aragon

Dibi: Cool, I’ll tell him. I think he’s got great style.

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That Fast Eddie interview was an A ticket ride! Any more? - T.L.

Dibi: You bet, I loved him as a jokester. I don’t think many people see him in that light, and I thought it was hilarious.

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Hey Dibi! Do you have any tattoos yourself? - Tianna Rocha

Dibi: No, I never thought they were for me. I love art and my taste evolves; I never wanted to be stuck with something I’d grown out of.

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Is it insulting that I see you and Herbie more like the artsy folk rather than the surf folks? Love all the imagery and artwork you guys have on your sites! BIG BIG FAN! - Stewart Riggs

Dibi: Of course not, that’s how we see ourselves.

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Hi Dibi, how has it been with CF back and sober? Do you think this is finally it? - Bob “Malibu” Grady

Dibi: It’s wonderful, I’m grateful everyday. I certainly hope so for all our sakes, but I guess time will tell. It sure seems good.

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What do you think is Nathan’s longevity when most pro surfers his age are now pretty much on the back burner? - Kai Jensen

Dibi: Big wave riding is like an entirely different sport and it extends the careers longevity. He’s still amazing, so I guess we’ll just wait and see what’s up his sleeve for Act II.

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Hey Dibi, will you be posting any more photos of yourself taken by Bruce Weber? Thank you. - Gabby Lopez

Dibi: Maybe in the future, I don’t like to post personal photos he’s taken of us over the years, I feel it’s infringing on our friendship and I’d never want to do that.

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Hi Dibi, will you guys reissue or sell again those trade cards? I have 3 (archy, christian and gary elkerton) and would like to add to my collection! - Sam Davis

Dibi: Herb and I talked about it recently, we didn’t come up with an answer but maybe I’ll revisit the conversation and see if there’s a market.

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Dibi, can you ask Greyson a question for me, what trick he is trying to learn and ha been the hardest for him to conquer? - Trent Whitber

Dibi: I’m sorry, Greyson’s in Japan and will be back in a few days; I’ll ask him then, so please repost your question and I’ll answer it in the next column.

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Outside of the typical surf and skate labels/brands, who would you, Dibi, not Christian, but you who would YOU want Christian to be sponsored by?

Dibi: He looked fabulous in Versace when Bruce Weber used to shoot him. I think it should be something really unpredictable. Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label perhaps? I love the absurd in life, so I think that might be a good fit.

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What depresses you Dibi Fletcher? I mean really downright fucking depress you that you want to cry?!!! - Marcus Phenbam

Dibi: My kid doing drugs!!! It’s the most heartbreaking experience a parent can live through. It’s so senseless.

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Dibi, many years ago, I truly loved and admired the artword (ads)  you did for Christian Fletcher. The image of Christian with the mohawk, the image of him surfing with black trunks on, etc. Could you please post these beautiful paintings again or any more of that kind that you did? And do you continue to do this medium? - Chara Rowlin

Dibi: Thanks, that’s very nice. I haven’t been painting a lot recently. I’ve been doing a lot more writing, but hope to get some time here pretty soon to get back in the studio.

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Hi Dibi: So real quick, favorite scent, favorite memory, favorite drink, favorite snack, favorite person, favorite conversation, favorite hobby, and favorite person to hate. Look forward to your answers! - Steve Phillips

Dibi: Prada, a million favorite memories (I’ve had a long life), water, I’m not much of an eater, I can’t just pick one favorite person, the one I’m engaged at the time, ditto, there’s a few on the list  - and I hope you don’t know them and if you do, you hate them also so there’s no use to mention them by name.

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Okay Im’a gonna put you on the hot spot Dibi. What do you think is a move that Nate and Christian do really well and what do you think even after all these years, they can still work on? Oh i’m talking surfing! - Brian

Dibi: They both do great airs. Nathan’s doing things in big waves that are amazing. They’re having fun and being respectful what more could I want???

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Hey Dibi, nothing tastes better than the first bite of an apple or a slice of cantaloupe. What’s something simple that you take delight in? A fruity question from a fruit, so yes, dear, what tantalizes your taste buds? - Eric Parker

Dibi: Casaba melon is rub-your-feet-together fabulous.

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Have u ever been to a Turkish prison? - Calculatą Decimation Noce

Dibi: No, I’ve thankfully managed to stay out of all prison systems.

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Dibi, were you a good kid, stubborn kid, bad kid, complacent kid. I gotta know what kind of kid eventually turned out to be CF’s mom! Ha ha ! - Paul Stewart

Dibi: I never lied, cheated or stole anything. I was very determined to do what I wanted. I was bright, hated school and authority. I ran away early and have tried to live honestly with my choices.

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Dibi Christian asked us about selling out, what do you think is a sell out and is selling out all so bad? Of course CF didn’t bother to answer his own question sooo - Brett Fischer

Dibi: I really don’t know what is selling out. By the time you’re my age, you better figure out how to buy in.

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Dibi, the Bible Bowl??? CF does bible study? LOL say it ain’t so! LMAO!!! - Larry Nohr

Dibi: No, he doesn’t do bible study; he and Greyson are lucky enough to be invited there to skate.

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Hi Dibi, Herbie, Christian, Greyson and Nathan: Do you guys ever all just sit down and trip on what a wild adventure your lives have been? - Scott Kroeger

Dibi: Sometimes, and it’s really fun and interesting as each one of us tends to bring up a different memory that we get to laugh about. Sharing your history and getting to see it from different perspectives is always amazing. I feel very fortunate.

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Here is a question from yesteryear, at the time when your sister Joyce Hoffman was at the peak of her surfing career, who were her sponsors? - Daniel Lumont

Dibi: It was so different then, I remember Leland Triumph Motors gave her a car to use when she traveled to different countries, as did Honda Motorcycles. She got her boards from Hobie. She received a small bit of money and product for Bonnie Bell Cosmetics and was also in their ads. Random things like that, but it wasn’t anything like now.

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hi dibi, John From Cincinnati. Was the character played by Rebecca DeMornay based on you? Which of the characters were the most like their counterpart (you, CF, Herbie, etc) and the most like their counterparts? - Thomas Allison

Dibi: It was never supposed to be about us, and I really don’t see any similarities between the characters and the members of my family.

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Hey Dibi, ha ha, this is so cool asking Christian and Nathan’s mom questions. So I read on Stab that interview with Nathan, was that all fabricated? If not, is there still sibling drama? Man, me and my brothers have really gone at it and have had blown out fights so I can relate! - Nick Mochino

Dibi: I believe Christian and Nathan have really come to a better understanding and have started to rebuild their friendship, and I’m stoked for that. Bruce [Irons] will never have the chance, so call your brothers - they’re the only ones you’ve got.

Astrodeck team rider Makua Rothman and Ian Walsh (sharing the last wave with Makua) riding some big ones at Jaws in Maui. Video by Joel Guy. So what now bitches?!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MsTb1DJw0A