RP has been part of our AccesSurf ‘ohana for many many years…too many to count! A fan favorite of our surfers, you can catch him in the water getting the kids to smile and do his signature “HANDS UP” move! Vibes are always high and we are so thankful and truly appreciative to have RP as one of our consistent surf instructors – consistency can be so important to our AccesSurfers, to know that you can trust and feel safe with the person you are surfing with!
Mahalo RP!
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Robert Perry, but all my friends call me RP. I was born on Kauai, then moved to Maui, and eventually to Oahu. I’m a third-generation waterman, with both my dad and grandpa being avid canoe paddlers, and my Grandpa Perry having been a beach boy in Waikiki back in the 1930s.
I’ve been a surf instructor in Waikiki since I was 15 years old, working for Hans Hedemann Surf. I love to surf, hike, and host friends. When I’m not in the water, you’ll usually find me up in the mountains exploring new trails.
I also work at Lulu’s Waikiki, where I handle booking all the live entertainment and running their marketing. On top of that, I’m a real estate agent, working alongside my mom’s team.
How and when did you hear about or start with Accessurf
I first heard about AccesSurf from James from Make a Wish Hawaii who was previously the GM of HHSurf school where I have been working at since I was a 15 years old.
What does AccesSurf mean to you?
The joy and stoke in the water is what it’s all about for me. Love the community of volunteers that are all equally as stoked to make participants day/month/year. The parents and caretakers reactions as we walk up the beach is a powerful and a truly beautiful thing.
What is your favorite AccesSurf memory?
To many to count, but if I had to bring it down to one. I would say all the party waves with James and participants with Tommy Pierucki shooting. We have such a strong bond that magical moments are constructed when were all together. Like the party wave with Kale and James on side of the AccessSurf van.
Anything you want to share with our AccesSurf ‘ohana?
Always thankful to be a part of Day at the Beaches and thankful for the hype from fellow volunteers. Much love to my AccesSurf Ohana!
