02.05.00
by: Mark Rayner

Vincent Sennan Garcia III has just won his fourth Triple Crown of Surfing Title. Such was his cheery disposition as an infant his mother nicknamed him Sunny and now at age 29, his reputation within the surfing world borders on ethereal. Sunny seems to have an understanding of the sea, a relationship that goes beyond just riding waves. He calls it his secret understanding and the ability to anticipate what the ocean is going to do before it actually happens. On big days some surfers just follow him around the lineup, mimicking his positioning - they say it makes them feel safer.

Raised Island Style which means by an extended family and by the Coconut Wireless which means with a minimal amount of formal education, he discovered his talent for surfing at the young age of seven when his friends literally threw him into the ocean. Within a few minutes he was already riding waves to the shore. Sunny has always been a tough bloke. He had to be growing up in the rough and tumble world of the Hawaiian beach scene. By age 3 his personality was a dichotomy. Cheerful and fun loving one moment, brooding and smoldering the next, as if one aspect protruded or protected the other. This has been attributed to his blood; a mixture of Hawaiian, Mexican, Filipino, Chinese, Puerto Rican and Irish.

At age 5, Sunny was suspended from kindergarten for brawling. He quit high school after being wrongly accused of harassing someones sister. Seems the older brother walked into his photography class and beat him viciously. He spent the next week in hospital. It was the first time Sunny had ever lost anything and he vowed to never, ever let it happen again. It is said that because of this vow, his competitive drive is fueled by anger, and it shows.

Once again the dichotomy emerges - he says his surfing is stylish because of a peacefulness he feels on a wave.

He is a proud man, quick to anger, but these days rarely acts on his anger outside his heat. He is a sincere kind friend with a boyish smile and a soft lisp that would disarm an angry tiger. It is said that dogs actually smile at him. He once walked across a junkyard on a dare and came back with a killer guard dog licking at his hands. A palm reader once told him that if you close your eyes and listen closely you could hear his aura buzzing.

No one has ever known Sunny more happy and balanced than he is right now.

He has wonderful children, Kaila, Logan and Stone. He now lives in Del Mar, California and is married to Raina Cabell, daughter of surfing legend Joey Cabel.

There is only one thing that still eludes Sunny Garciaan ASP World Surfing Title. The thought of him winning a World Title was once inconceivable. To deny it now would be foolhardy. With little to lose and so much to gain Sunny says this year the timing is right and the conditions picture perfect to surf his way to number one.

No one has ever known Sunny more happy and balanced than he is right now. He has three wonderful children, Kaila, Logan and Stone. He now lives in Del Mar, California and is married to Raina Cabel, daughter of surfing legend Joey Cabel.

   Send to a friend  | Most sent  | Submit your photo or video