Frosty Hesson, the surfer whose relationship with big wave rider Jay Moriarity was the basis for the movie "Chasing Mavericks" was sitting in front of a folding table selling copies of his book "Making Mavericks" Saturday.
"I've never done this before," he said. He'd sold five books in 20 minutes and longer lines formed soon after.
This was the man played by superstar Gerard Butler in the movie released last year about the life of a young big wave surfer who met his mentor at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz a decade ago.
Hesson will be at the Mavericks competition Sunday doing the same thing.
He said he made no money from the movie, but may in the back end if it makes money.
"I didn't do this for the money," he said. "I did it because it was a story that I thought should be told."
Passersby from all over strolled the newly revamped East Cliff Drive, and many did double takes when they realized the guy at the table was the real deal.
"I saw the movie twice," said a woman from San Jose. "I loved it. I can't believe he's here."