The fifth vertebrate had snapped and he had come as close as possible to being paralyzed. The scar along the top of his spine is faded and pink where the screws and plates were hidden. He was in town for the Outdoor Retailer Show, entertaining sponsors and signing posters. He strode into Lamb's Restaurant on Main Street on a Saturday morning, wearing frosted blond hair up top and leopard-skin sandals below surfer shorts. He didn't get far before he was hailed by a friend, and soon after, two more.
Politicians blow hot air and wind surfers ride it.
Markham could have gone either way, but chose the water. He could always work a room, even at age 4. He always liked to shake hands with people everywhere. The first time he launched off a good wave, he was infatuated. You are harnessed by the wind and have to make a split-second decision to get big aerials.