As a trained grommet torturer of many years I have truly feel that having them around is an essential element, especially when the surf is bad, you need tedious work to be done and of course when you feel like testing out your new WWF moves.

Todd Glaser is a grommet that has his share of pink bellies, sugar donuts and got his pants pulled down in public. Hes here representing tomorrows generation, fighting for those inside peaks and slowly but surely gaining experience and respect.

One word of advice for my fellow grom torturers; always look at the parents as you can have an idea of how big they will be when they grow up. We used to stuff Kainoa McGee in our car trunk, make him cry and do all our dirty work. Ahh, hope he doesnt log on.

Sasaki: I guess youre the second youngest grom here at the event. How many more are there and do you have a goal to beat those guys?
Lil Todd: I think theres another sixteen year old, (Todds age) a fifteen year old from Dana point and then everyone else is like eighteen or older. My goal is to beat everybody but primarily its to beat the older guys, as they are the ones that you look up to. I normally surf with guys like Ross (McBride) and Nelz (Vellocido), so hopefully Ill be a step ahead by doing this. Yeah, beating the older guys because I look up to them.

KS: How much has coming to Hawaii helped progress your riding?
TG: Coming to Hawaii is everything. I think a lot of times people win a little contest at home and theyre like it, but when they come here they get to compete everyday against the worlds best. Surfing Off the Wall or Pipe, even when the contest isnt on, its competition.

KS: Is this your first time in this event?
TG: No, this is like my third time. First time I went through the trials and I made a couple heats and last year I got to compete out at Pipe but I had some tough times in my heat.

KS: Whats so special about this event?
TG: Its competing against the worlds best on a world-class wave which takes groveling straight out of the picture. Its testing not only your ability against others but testing it against the ocean. It tests you to see where you are on the totem pole when it comes to being a professional bodyboarder.

KS: Obviously in southern California you can find some days with big surf, but how do you get big wave training as nothing really compares to Hawaii?
TG: I try and surf the biggest waves possible but its hard because when its big most of the waves just close out or people take you to places where it mushs while youre looking for places with the biggest barrels and heavy consequences. I think even the heaviest waves in California do not even compare to Hawaii. I also do a lot of traveling. This year I went to Australia for two weeks and Tahiti for three. Surfing Teahupoo for three weeks; it didnt get big or anything but its just a whole new world out there. So it helps traveling.

KS: Tell the world, but more importantly tell the groms about Ke Iki.
TG: Ke Iki, ahhh, its a pretty sweet wave. Ive been surfing there almost everyday on this trip. It comes in, it doubles up under you, its pretty shallow, and its really scary and good for photos. I really like it because it teaches you how to bottom turn and paddle in really early. You do things that you cannot do that perfect waves can teach you. It helps iron out the imperfections. Surfing it when Andres (Botha) shooting photos you get to see what youre doing and thats just an added bonus.

KS: Not to put you down or anything but, youre a little guy; youre a white Californian kid in Hawaii. How do you get waves?
TG: (Hesitates). Um, I dont!!! Its tough. Surfing Off the Wall, I used to hate that place because theres like eighty billion Australians, but you just surf super long sessions and try to make it worthwhile. When Pipes good you paddle out before the sun comes up and get a few then. Ive been mostly focusing on the shore breaks like Waimea and Ke Iki this year because Pipe really hasnt been that good and everyone is just sitting around.

KS: Now, youre staying at the famous Andre and Eddie (Solomon) house. Whats it like there, whats a typical day like?
TG: We get up at like 5:50 am, we drive down, check Pipe, if its good we rush back and get our stuff, surf until eleven or twelve or whenever the winds go bad, go home and eat, play Playstation. Take over and beat Andre at Playstation. Then Andre usually gets really mad and throws the controller, locks himself in his room so he can lift weights and take care of his girlfriend. Then we surf the east side later on, cruise. Lots of Playstation.

KS: Is it cool staying at the Turtle Bay Resort with all the bodyboarders?
TG: Oh man its so sick!! Skippy is just a few doors down, everyone is super close, its really nice. Its real clean, good air conditioning. Its a lot better than all the other places but maybe its a little far away but in a sense its good because you get a lot of time alone.

KS: If you could drop in on one person here on the North Shore and totally get away with it, who would that person be?
TG: I dont want to make any enemies, but probably Babby (Quinones) because he always drops in on Hubby and everyone else. No, actually, I would drop in on Stewart (Mike) because he always gets the best waves. May as well make it a good wave.

KS: Anything else?
TG: Yeah, we need more Californians to come over here so they can learn. Look at all the Aussies, theyre so hardcore.

KS: Well, whos been ripping?
TG: Virtue, Matt Lackey, the normal guys like Skippy, Hubby, Andres been ripping, Kamala (Botha) shes been charging. I saw her get a solid one at Ke Iki and shes been surfing heavy shore break. Nelson Ross, I think hes the second best guy to come out of Australia.