Uncle Val Ching Jr., The Living Link to Surfing’s High Performance Roots
by Cher Pendarvis
It’s a joy to do something nice to honor someone so kind. . .
Our friend Nick Beck shared stories and photos, as he was on the treacherous channel crossing with Uncle Val, Rabbit and others.
Jack McCoy kindly shared frame grabs from Val Valentine's archives.
Uncle Val's nephew Joey Camacho kindly shared his beautiful photos.
Today Val is a cultural specialist who encourages others to come back to their roots of Hawaiian culture, farming, arts and fishing practices.
Sincere thanks to Uncle Val for sharing his important stories and wisdom, and to Joey, Nakoa, Tom Henry, Adam, John, Wallace, Jack, Nick, Tom Pohaku, Jeff and to all of the folks at The Surfer’s Journal. Warmest Aloha, Cher Pendarvis
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13/01/2011 at 11:28 pm Permalink
Hey Cher, I really enjoyed your story about Val! alooooooha
15/01/2011 at 4:56 pm Permalink
HI, David,
Thank you for your thoughtful note. We’re so glad that you enjoyed the story about Uncle Val.
Warmest Aloha, Cher
25/04/2011 at 3:45 pm Permalink
Aloha Cher,
Me ke aloha pumehana (with warm regards), mahalo nui for the memories to Joey Camacho, Jack McCoy, and to you, sweetheart. You have been a darling and friend to Patti and I, we will always cherish all your work and effort for this SJ article. We are still over overwhelmed by the interest and coverage of my youthful days playing in the sun and ocean. I am truly humbled to be a small part of surfing history. Again, mahalo and I’ll close with Jack’s quote, “half of it is having fun and the other half is do it with aloha.” The best to you and Steve.
Aloha ke Akua, Uncle Val Ching
27/04/2011 at 8:18 pm Permalink
Dear Uncle Val, thank you so much for your very thoughtful note. It is such a precious joy and honor to work on the SJ article with you. Thank you for sharing your kindness, encouragement and wisdom with us. We cherish our friendship. Steve and I send you and Patti lots of love. Aloha ke Akua, Cher and Steve
26/06/2011 at 5:16 am Permalink
Aloha Cher,
Mahalo for the beautiful presentation and honor bestowed upon Uncle Val Ching at Duke’s Waikiki. Your work and perserverance in educating the general public on Surfing; history to modern day, will continue to contribute the appreciation of this sport. Mahalo nui to all that have worked with you and hugs, hugs, hugs to all of you!
Me ka ha`aha`a,
Leimomi
04/07/2011 at 8:21 pm Permalink
Aloha, Leimomi,
Mahalo for your very kind note, much appreciated. It is a precious honor and joy to work with Uncle Val on the Surfers Journal story. I was honored to help and support with his special Uncle Val Ching Jr. Day. Mahalo, we are sending you hugs too.
Aloha nui loa, Cher and Steve