One of the O.G.’s of surfing Gerry Lopez has a pretty in depth interview in the LOS ANGELES TIMES today. Now 60 years old, you might recognize Gerry for a number of things. In the 70’s, Gerry was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, tuberider in the world by winning the Pipeline Masters two years in a row. Or you might recognize him for his innovations in surfboard designs. Lopez created the simple but eyecatching LIGHTNING BOLT jag that every surfer in the ’70s wanted.
But not me. I don’t recognize him for those things. I don’t even surf. I recognize Gerry for his groundbreaking film role as “SUBOTAI” in one of my favorite films of all time, CONAN THE BARBARIAN starring California’s Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger. That film really showed the ruggedness that can only be portrayed by an extreme sports athlete. He is by far, the best thing about that film besides Conan himself.
FYI, Gerry has also appeared in other films such as Big Wednesday, North Shore, and Riding Giants.
Check out the interview over at the LA TIMES.
