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| Mark Johnstone Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
I was hoping to get over and have a chat with my friend and sailing buddy Mark Johnstone before he leaves for the Waddell / Santa Cruz leg of the
American Windsurfing Tour. Due to our hectic work, surf, and wave sailing schedules we didn’t get the formal interview done. I am sure that many of our readers know of Mark but for those of you that don’t, let me share a bit of what I know about this dynamic athlete, artist and friend.
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| Mark Johnstone Photo Olaf Mitchell |
Mark’s a very active and aggressive wave sailor! He and I sail together along with the rest of our crew most every day swell after swell year round at our favorite wave break at Kuau on the north shore of Maui.
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| Mark Johnstone |
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| Mark Johnstone |
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| Mark Johnstone |
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| Mark Johnstone |
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| Mark Johnstone |
Mark holds the title of "Commodore" of the arguably prestigious “Kuau Yacht Club”.
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| Tom Krebs, Mark, and Mike Siopes Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Mark and Art Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
The KYC is the origin of the infamous, much coveted, and very controversial “Kuau Cup” Award and Party.
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| Sam Bittner Frank Sabb and J- Bird Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Dean, Olaf, Giampallo,and crew of KYC |
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| Crew of KYC Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Mark and the Crew of KYC Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Mark Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Mark and Dirt Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
When he's not shredding giant North Shore waves, Mark is the keyboard player for the world touring and Grammy nominated
Mick Fleetwood Blues Band.
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| Mick Fleetwood Blues Band |
He has had the privilege of sitting in with the likes of Carlos Santana, Boz Scaggs, Michael MacDonald, James Hatfield, Pat Simmons, Alice Cooper, John Mayall and numerous other world renowned icons in the music industry.
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| with John Mayall |
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| with Carlos Santana |
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Rehearsal at Mick's. Michael MacDonald, James Hetfield of Metallica, Pat Simmons of The Doobie Bros, Mick Fleetwood, Eric Gilliom, Lenny Castellanos, Rick Vito, Mike Kroeger of Nickleback, and Mark Johnstone |
Mark was an integral part of Mick Fleetwood's tribute to Peter Green and the early Blues years of Fleetwood Mac. Their CD "Blue Again" was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Traditional Blues Album" in 2009.
Mark’s other band “Wavetrain” plays every Thursday night at
Charlie's in Paia.
"Wavetrain" will be playing at the opening evening of the Santa Cruz AWT event along with
Kai Katchadourian (the third place winner at the 2010 Pistol River Wave Bash) on drums.
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| Kai Katchadourian Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Mark Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
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| Kai and Mark Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
Mark will also be competing in the Santa Cruz and Maui stops on the American Windsurfing Tour.
Mark says, “This is more than just a wave competition, I believe this event represents something larger. It is an opportunity for like-minded, wind-addicted souls to convene and perhaps get back to the reason we started on this journey.”
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| Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
He goes on to say, “I am completely thrilled to be a participant and equally charged up to perform music at this event!
Thanks to Sam Bittner for the invite and her stoke for the sport!
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| Mark and Sam Bittner photo: Mark Johnstone |
A large contingent of Maui wave sailors (including Mark and myself) along a host of locals and other talented shredders all gathered on the Oregon coast last summer to participate in the
2010 Pistol River Wave Bash. We had a great time ripping and celebrating the return of competitive wave sailing to the U.S.A.
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| Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
This is what Mark had to say about the Wave Bash on the Rio Pistola, “
The reality is that I have been hooked into the sport of windsurfing since my first taste at age 22. That's how I ended up on Maui 9 years ago. Living in landlocked Steamboat Springs, CO necessitated annual trips to Hood River, Oregon to fulfill the need for consistent sailing conditions. This journey was realized 9 times during my stay in the mountains. When conditions become hot and windless in the Gorge, wind seekers venture on to the Oregon coast. It is peculiar to me that at this point I find myself going back to the land of sandy beaches, majestic headlands and frigid waters to participate in the resurrection of the Pistol River Wave Bash.”
Mark is sponsored by
Simmer Style and the ocean and music community of Paia, Maui,HI.
When asked what his favorite quote was Mark responded:
"If it sounds good, then it is good" Duke Ellington
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