About Us
Rockwell (Rocky) Canon
Rocky is a born-and-raised North Shore Native Hawaiian ocean expert who has developed a deep connection with NS ocean conditions of all seasons. He competitively surfed his way from the Alii Beach Menehune amateur ranks, all the way to six Billabong Pipe Masters events as a professional, all the while extensively traveling to numerous surf locations worldwide. As a member of the ultra-exclusive Hawaiian Water Patrol Team since 1999, Rocky was hand-selected by ocean safety legend Terry Ahue, and also served as a City & County North Shore Lifeguard from 2001 - 2006. It’s safe to say that he guarded every NS tower during his time as a lifeguard, with a focus at Ehukai and Rockpile (nearest access to Pipeline).
Since 2009, Rocky has been a World Surf League TV and beach broadcast MC, and from 2014 - 2016, he worked as Turtle Bay Resort’s full-time manager where he co-designed and co-developed the Guidepost Experience concept. He was also designated Lead Guide to assist other guided operations on the resort property to elevate safety and service offerings.
Rocky holds a BA from the University of Hawaii at West Oahu in Public Administration, with courses specializing in organizational leadership. He also found time to earn a State of Hawaii Real Estate License in 2005 and a Hawaii State DOE Substitute Teaching Certificate (with a focus on Special Education) in 2008.
Hard (and smart) work, respect for people and nature, and attention to detail have been a part of Rocky’s DNA through the influence of his parents Cino and Priscilla, and mentors Terry Ahue and Kawika Foster. Rocky regularly volunteers as host and co-organizer of various NS community surf, music, art, and other benefit events. It is his myriad of skills and life experiences that allow Rocky to deliver truly “one-of-a-kind” ocean-guided fun to every demographic!
N.S.O.G. has performed these experiences with an impeccable safety track record, servicing more than 5,000 satisfied guests. N.S.O.G. provides all necessary supplies, equipment (boards, paddles, canoe, ukuleles, etc) and Insurance for all adventures offered.
Hina was trained by the original Surf Dog, Pulu, before he passed. Coming to the Canons by way of Craigslist, Hina is a Labrador mix and has the heart of an angel.
Aka was adopted as a puppy during the pandemic and has quickly become a fine SUP Pup! A two-year-old mix, Aka is a happy go lucky pup with lots of energy and loves to hang ten!
Hina & Aka
We're more than a man and his four-footed best friends, we're the original Surf Dog Team. We welcome you with open arms and prepped paws to educate newcomers and returning ohana about our ways of life, love of nature, and appreciation for the ocean.
Years Training Surf Dogs: 16
Dogs are used so widely as therapeutic aids and companionship, and for those who have trepidation about the ocean, having a dog accompany them is a huge comfort. We've had many therapeutic sessions, but most bookings are for the rare opportunity that YOU can safely Surf or SUP on the North Shore with a highly-trained Ocean Professional and enthusiastic surf dogs. The photos come out priceless - smiles, tongues, and ocean beauty galore!