Kelly Slater Talks Maui Wildfires: “It makes me want to cry.” (Video)
Apocalyptic, heart-wrenching scenes are coming out of Maui.
Wildfires have ravaged the island, and in particular, decimated the historic town of Lahaina. Nearly every business, home, or building in the area was lost. The death toll (as of Friday, August 11th) has reached 80 people, but is expected to rise.
And with Maui being home to many prominent surfers, as well as a destination for countless traveling surfers, the community is rallying to offer support.
Speaking about the destruction, Kelly Slater was interviewed by TMZ (presumably during his lengthy trek from Namibia to French Polynesia for the Shiseido Tahiti Pro).
Here’s what he had to say:
“It’s completely apocalyptic and devastating. I’m in shock, and I’m not even from that area. But I have a lot of friends who live in that area. I had a couple friends run for their lives. One friend lost everything he owns, but he was able to save his dog and a backpack and that was about it.
“Another friend riding his bike through town this morning saw a lot of, um…bodies. I just unconfirmed reports that a lot more people have passed away than they’re talking about. I don’t think the news has…I don’t think we’ve been able to get a grasp on it from what we’re hearing on the ground. When everything comes out, it’s gonna be…it’s really sad, man. It makes me want to cry.
“I know of at least two friends who have lost their houses. Actually three. I just got a text about another one. Another friend lost their business. Everyone who’s got a house or a business in Lahaina has lost it, I think. The videos are startling.
“I heard that a lot of people jumped in the water, and then the water caught on fire because the boats were burning, and the fuel was on top of the water. I don’t even think you can express how bad it is.
“Everyone within our surf community is rallying to get boats in, supplies, donate money. In the coming days there will be a lot of outlets for that.”
For more information on how to help Maui, and to donate support, check out our coverage of the catastrophe and relief efforts here, here, and here.
***
Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.