HUMAN TOUCH: Raimana Van Bastolaer

(c)Tim-McKenna.com

Raimana Van Bastolaer received a mohawk haircut from a 400-pound personal water craft, but it didn't stop him. Raimana charges heavy Teahupoo like your wife with a new VISA card at a J. Jill sale--consequences be damned. We all know Raimana as one of the Terrific Teahupoo Troubadours, an aquatic circus act that defies death on every large south swell. Now it's time we unearthed a bit of Raimana's human side.

Do you speak another language?
RAIMANA: I speak French, Tahitian… and a little Spanish.

Holly Beck or Nicole Ritchie?
RAIMANA: Nicole Ritchie

Do you own a longboard?
RAIMANA: I own a 12-foot standup paddle board.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RAIMANA: Running Quiksilver in French Polynesia.

Do you train or work out other than surfing?
RAIMANA: Yes, I do some canoe paddling and mountain biking.

What is the best gift you've ever given?
RAIMANA: Giving Andy's (Irons) and Bruce's (Irons) old surfboards to a charity.

What is your best surfing memory?
RAIMANA: May days ( tow session ).

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
RAIMANA: Vanilla

What is your favorite past time outside of surfing?
RAIMANA: Being with my family.

Do you collect anything?
RAIMANA: Yes, surfboards

Do you have any pets?
RAIMANA: We have a cat so it can eat rats.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
RAIMANA: My height , maybe my weight too.

What is the biggest issue facing the pro surfing world today?
RAIMANA: Money

If you could be sponsored by one non-surfing product, what would it be and why?
RAIMANA: Hinano brewery, not because it is a beer company, it's because the owner of the company is insanely cool and the people around him are too.