Surfing Soapbox: Beaches are no place for litter

Growing up in Laguna Beach was a dream in itself. Being lucky enough to be raised in a home overlooking Pearl Street beach still means the world to me. For a long time I had a really hard time leaving that beach and my home, which was really one and the same.

The older surfers always kept us in line. There was a pecking order and a level of respect that came along with it. Sometimes I wonder if the younger surfers understand this. If one of the older surfers saw one of us leave our trash behind, we would pay dearly with a good feasting of sand, pink bellies, snuggies or just a good old junior birdman off of the sea wall.

More so, we cared for our beach like no other. We probably kept our beach cleaner than our own bedrooms. In fact, I know I did. I don’t know if it’s a lack of respect for our beaches or for the environment or if the younger surfers just haven’t been taught right.

Maybe it’s a combination of both.

Either way, I cannot figure out the logic behind wanting to go to the beach — somewhere that you love and cherish — and then leaving your trash behind. Here’s one better: When you see trash on our beaches, instead of walking past it, pick it up. Or when you see someone littering, let them know that it’s not cool; enlighten them.

Perhaps as one of the older surfers now, I need to do a better job of enlightening the younger surfers and beachgoers about the importance of respecting our beaches and caring for them. It’s great that we have Zero Trash Laguna to pick up after those who fail to do so, but it certainly doesn’t mean it’s cool to leave your trash behind.

Peace.

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