For McHenry and Griffin Jackson, surfing is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life
A couple of summers ago I was taking my dog for a morning walk on the beach just as the sun was coming up, and I spotted what appeared to be two very young boys heading out into the water alone. I remember being concerned that they didn’t have an adult with them, thinking that they were so little they may not be very strong swimmers yet.
I then realized the boys had surfboards with them, and as I watched, any concern I had dissolved as they commenced to absolutely shredding it out in the water. “Oh”, I said to myself, “that must be those Jackson boys.”
I recently sat down with McHenry, 14, and Griffin, 11, two of Mary Hunter and Lawton Jackson’s three children, in their home on 4th block East. Here is some of that conversation:
FOLLY CURRENT: How did you find your way to Folly Beach, and how did you get into competitive surfing?
McHenry: We were born into this beautiful Folly life. Mom and Dad taught us how to surf, and we just wanted to try the whole contest thing out, so I tried it out first, and then Griffin started competing, as well.
FC: How many have you two won?
Griffin: A lot.
FC: What’s your favorite thing about Folly?
Griffin: The beach! And the stores that sell candy.
McHenry: I like how you can go to the beach, and then go play in the river, and just do all kinds of different stuff.
FC: What is the nicest thing you’ve done for your brother? The worst thing?
Griffin: I made McHenry dinner. I really like to bake, but sometimes I make his favorite pasta dish for him. The worst thing was for April fools, I put honey on the floor so he would walk into it, and then dumped salt and pepper on his head. It was a great prank!
McHenry: I give Griffin pep talks before he goes into his surf heats, and get the things he can’t reach in the cupboard. The worst is just the typical beat-your-little-brother up stuff. Although once I putting shaving cream on his hand while he was asleep and then tickled his nose, that was pretty funny.
FC: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Griffin: I’d say flying at any speed, because then I could get to Hawaii really fast, or just hover in the air.
McHenry: Teleportation, because then you could just grab your whole family and a couple of surf boards, and go anywhere you want to go.
FC: What would you like to do when you grow up?
Griffin: Be a professional surfer. Or be on Broadway.
McHenry: Pro surfer or as a back-up, play flute in the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
FC: What is your favorite thing from Bert’s Market?
Griffin: The banana pudding, it is hands down the best you will EVER taste! McHenry: The slushies are SO good, and they’re only a dollar!
Miranda Jordan is a local guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
