Surfing Soapbox: Local surfer to rescue

Every morning, no matter if it’s rain or shine, flat or big waves, I drink my coffee while reading up on what’s happening in the world today on my computer. Normally it goes in this order: ESPN, Surfline and then Facebook.

I don’t read up on CNN online too much because my nightly routine always includes Anderson Cooper 360.

So here I was, going through my morning routine, which includes writing my weekly column Thursday morning. I never know what I’m going to write until I begin writing. More often than not, something that intrigues me will just pop up, and it’s in that moment I know what I will be writing about.

I’m in that moment of writing now after reading about Laguna Beach’s Jon Rose and his heroic efforts in Padang, Indonesia. In total Jon fashion he was anchored on a boat, as he says, “at a fun little left-hander” when the quake hit.

Jon and crew quickly came ashore and saw the quake’s devastation, when Jon realized he had 10 new water filtration systems, which the community of Padang was in desperate need of.

I know what it’s like to be in a foreign country when tragedy hits, and it takes a special type of person to step in during a time of need, as Jon did — and does on a consistent basis.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Jon and I co-hosted a surf outing at Doheny Beach in Dana Point, and he later hosted an evening gala: both events supporting Costa Verde International school, Mexico’s first “green” school.

For myself and the rest of the Laguna Beach community, we salute your great deeds and your heroic efforts.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com