Jack Johnson is 26, born and raised next to Ehukai Beach Park. He is the youngest son of Patti and Jeff Johnson, long time North Shore residents and community leaders.

Jeff the surfer, the elite carpenter and genius, a man that has kept his life simple - built around family and surf. Patti, the loving mother; she provided the emotional support that enabled this family to prosper. Brothers Trent and Petey, they surfed plenty and helped raise Jack.

In this environment, Jack prospered. He mastered the waves in front of his house; especially 8 to 10 foot Back Door. He learned to play guitar for the family song sessions on the back porch and began to write his own songs. He graduated from Kahuku High School in 1993 and UC Santa Barbara Film School in 1997. Most importantly, he developed the inter-personal skills and confidence that have allowed him to become a major "somebody". Jack is married to his college sweetheart, Kim, and they live in Santa Barbara.

"Slow down everyone you're moving too fast, frames can't catch you when you're moving like that": Words of wisdom from BrushfireFairytales, the CD that is bringing a huge amount of attention to Jack as a surfer, film maker, song-writer, and entertainer.

"Jack" has mastered the art of slowing down and being present for the "frames" of his life. A lesson he sources to surfing. "I started surfing when I was four years old; I loved to surf before I knew what love was." He continues, "As a kid I dreamed of surfing on tour. As I got closer to that reality, I realized that I love surfing because it is pure fun, and I wanted to keep it that way." Jack is noble; he surfs because he loves it … and the same drive is reflected in his music. In his words, "I am inspired to perform because I love to share my music."

Jack's manager and best friend, Emmett Malloy says it best: "He's just such a fragile guy … if it's not fun for him … he doesn't want to be part of it." Malloy uses "fragile" to describe a well-defined sensitivity that Jack uses to maintain the clarity of what he wants to accomplish. In an industry known for intense competition, Jack refuses to compete, conform or alter himself in any way. Once again, Jack is noble … his intentions are pure … and his music and films are a direct reflection of what he feels. The result is a wonderful connection with his audience.

Ho… you ask, is this guy for real? Indeed, Jack Johnson is for real. He has talent galore … he "shreds" in the water … dazzles surfers with his movies … impresses the critics with his lyrics … and his growing legion of fans adore him. Kahea Hart reports, "watching Jack perform a few weeks ago on the mainland was chicken skin, a stadium packed full of people singing every word of his songs." Kahea continues, "I was so stoked to see my buddy ripping at what he loves to do."

Kahea summed up Jack's future: "For sure, he could make his living surfing, but he will go way further with his music and films. Someday he will return to Hawaii set up and free to surf Sunset 'till he is old and gray." Kahea obviously knows he buddy, as Jack put it: "My main interest is nature - surfing, hiking, and camping, and taking canoe trips. When the time is right, Kim and I will return to live in Hawaii. I want to provide my family with the same opportunity that my father and mother gave to me and my brothers, the ability to find peace and balance in the surf on the North Shore."

To listen to Jack talk about what matters to him is to experience the best of what surfing and living on the North Shore have to offer. Once again he sources his family. "My father is a great dad, he's the strong and protective individual that created our life-style. My mother provided the emotional support I needed to become the person I am today."

To listen to Jack talk about how he handles the fame is to realize the power of love. "Being in the spotlight with all of this attention is nice, but the love that comes from my fans is a projection for someone they have made up. The real love and support comes from Kim and Emmett (Malloy). Kim gives me the confidence I need to perform in public and together, Kim and Emmett handle the day to day business so I can focus on my music. Their love and support keeps me real and focused."

Keep it Simple: Jack has made good on his talent … he is true to himself and his family values … and, his heart is still in Hawaii.
During the interview, I commented that the surf had been good for the Gotcha Pipeline contest held the day before.
Jack replied, "I heard it was small on the last day."
I laughed and then confessed. " I didn't know anything about the surf, I just wanted to see if you're still in the loop."
Jack laughed and said, "I'm in."

Jack's advice for young people says it all. "Enjoy what you are doing and learn to be present and really focus on what matters to you. That will allow you to eliminate the distractions and actualize your talent." That's HiLevel.