Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Aloha spirit is more than a friendly greeting. It encompasses the Hawaiian Islanders’ belief in living life to the fullest and honoring nature and family.
At the heart of it is caring and sharing, recognizing that the bounty of nature – the gifts from the sea and land – is to be shared and enjoyed by all.
Rather than focusing on I, me or mine, Hawaiians emphasize we, us and our.
More important than money and things, is the way we spend our time – observing the beauty around us, celebrating happy moments with others and graciously giving back to the community and nature.
Aloha Spirit isn’t limited to Hawaii. SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel often see examples of it here in the OC when we’re talking to volunteers at a beach cleanup or an event or activity.
To get the Aloha Spirit, here are some Hawaiian phrases to guide you:
I kanaka no ‘oe ke malama I ke kanaka. – Care for those who serve you.
He ‘olina leo ka ke aloha. – Joy is the voice of love.
E hana me ka ha ‘aha ‘a. – Work together with humbleness.
A ohe lokomaika’i I nele I ke pana’i. – A good deed is its own reward.
You can take the Aloha Spirit with you wherever you go and share it with others. The more you share, the more you’ll get back.
Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Up in the sky! It’s a bird…it’s a plane. No, it’s LA Video Drone.
Next time you’re in Huntington Beach, look up! There’s a chance that Surfrider Foundation sponsor LA Video Droneis on the scene. The innovative aerial drone company is often out at the beach capturing “eye in the sky” camera footage of beach activities and events.
The Los Angeles-based company is a pioneer in aerial drone photography, using the latest ultra HD 4K cameras.
Less expensive and more effective than helicopter photography, the radio-operated drones can get right in on the action, providing new perspectives and sweeping panoramas.
Covering everything from business and charity events to golf tournaments and auto races, LA Video Drone can provide whatever you need – from high resolution photos to web-ready videos; raw footage to edited formats with music and special effects. Heather McAndress, Vice President and Creative Director, explains that they can tailor their services to each client’s situation.
And now they have an even newer drone in the lineup – the DJI Inspire 1 Pro with a Zen Muse X5 lens. “This camera is unreal – truly a game changer for the drone industry, ” says McAndress.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel have seen what LA Video Drone can do and it’s amazing. The drone team was out covering the International Surfing Day and other beach events this summer and was able to go where no one else could.
When we talked to them after a Surfrider beach cleanup they were excited about all the possibilities this new technology offers. Real estate brokers can use the drones’ video capabilities to assess properties, farmers and ranchers to keep an eye on crops and cattle.
Film production companies are especially jazzed about what video drones can do since the nimble, flying cameras can replace costly camera setups requiring helicopters, scaffolds and towers.
Drones can be used by police and fire departments and search and rescue teams.
McAndress told SurfWriter Girls the company wants to use its resources to contribute to the community. “When we started LA Video Drone, one of our main goals was to get involved with social awareness. Right away we connected with Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter because of their inspiring energy and dedication to environmental consciousness. Now we take part in their beach cleanups and events by providing both aerial and ground video coverage to help their cause.”
Chapter Chair Tony Soriano welcomes their participation, saying, “Our partner LA Video Drone gives an added dimension to our visual awareness and they continue to grow with us.”
LA Video Drone photography took viewers right on board the kayaks with Surfrider volunteers cleaning up Huntington Harbor.
And when Surfrider Ocean Friendly Gardens expert Greg Goran installed a drought tolerant, eco-friendly garden at Joe and Lori McMullin’s house a drone was on the spot capturing the before and after.
Drone technology that once seemed fantastical is unfolding before our eyes. As they say in science fiction stories, “The future is now.” And, LA Video Drone is right at the vanguard, leading the charge.
Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.
