Surfing and the Environment

There is a new ecologically-minded surfing school in Encinitas.

The founder not only teaches folks about surfing, but also about the environment, in particular the plight of the rain forests in Costa Rica and the negative impact of deforestation. And funds from the school go directly toward the purchase of rain forest acreage for preservation.

Read more about Surf eCo here.

Surfing in the San Diego Area

One of the things that was very noticeable to me when I first moved out here was the amount of surfing -sure, there is surfing back in Boston, especially on Cape Cod (even a few diehards in the dead of winter), but nothing as pervasive as you find here. It seems to be the most popular pastime.

I imagine those who have lived here for years, or who grew up here, don't really notice it all that much, or think much about it. Anyhow, since I have paid more attention to the surfing culture and the influence it has had on various communities, I wrote an article about it the other day on my ActiveRain blog.

I'd be curious to hear from surfers out there.

Click the surfboard to read more...

Surfing

Let me say it right up front - I am not a surfer. Nor is it likely I will ever step onto a surfboard, despite having moved to a part of the country where it is so popular, and so much in evidence daily.

As a casual observer, I have to admit the whole surfing culture fascinates me. And since I don't surf, I don't expect to understand, or really appreciate, the influence that surfing has had here. While surfing is popular back East where I used to live, especially in some areas (such as on Cape Cod in Massachusetts), it does not have the kind of impact that is so apparent here, nor is there the history associated with the growth of the sport which Southern California is known for.

Surfing has been a part of the growth of a number of coastal towns (Encinitas, especially Leucadia, Cardiff, and Carlsbad, as well as more southerly towns including Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach) for decades. There are numerous surfing shops scattered along the coast, as well as restaurants that cater to the surfing enthusiast. And learning how to surf has become big business, as witnessed by the many instructors and surfing schools for kids and adults.

For those of you have have not been here, it is common to see surfers at every time of the day, and every day, scattered along Highway 101 and other local streets, making use of the many beaches known for the best surfing - Swami's in Encinitas being just one example. And there is a huge environmental component, with erosion causing problems with many of the area's beaches, and the growth of the Surfrider Organization, dedicated to the preservation of, and access to, beaches here and elsewhere in the world.

I love this aspect of being in San Diego, even though I have no interest in climbing on a surfboard. It's a large part of what makes Southern California such a popular place to live and enjoy the beaches and beautiful weather that we sometimes take for granted. While you may not be an enthusiast, you have to appreciate the tremendous influence, and the daily presence, of surfing in our area. And admire those who take surfing so seriously.