Surfrider July 4th Bicycle Cruise
Huntington Beach Parade Puts Pedal to the Metal
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
On the 4th of July weekend the Huntington/Seal Beach Surfrider chapter decorated their bicycles in patriotic colors, joined in with the community, and paraded down Main Street to celebrate Independence Day.
It was a fun fest for all with stops at local restaurants along the way, music and more.
Tony Soriano, Surfrider’s H/SB chapter advisor, shared the stoke with Bud Llamas, the owner of 17th Street Board Shop.
The event brought friends and family together and raised funds for the AMUSE4Autism Foundation and Surfrider’s H/SB chapter.
Neighbors, kids, and even family pets were all excited to be part of the beach parade celebrating the USA.
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.
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Tony Soriano – Sharing the Stoke!
Surfrider’s Fearless Leader
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach members care about more than surfing. They care about the environment. And nobody does more to protect it than Tony Soriano. The chapter’s former chairman and current advisor, Tony is our fearless leader and sage, who always inspires us.
Tony Soriano – Sharing the Stoke!
Surfrider’s Tony Soriano always has a smile.
He goes the extra mile,
Lending a helping hand,
Picking up trash on the sand,
Paddling out early,
wearing Quiksilver and Hurley.
Always in an upbeat mood,
Tony is a cool surfer dude.
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.
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Next Generation On Board for Ocean
Sunburst Youth Academy Lends a Hand
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter welcomed cadets from the Sunburst Youth Academy for a beach cleanup at the Seal Beach jetty on May 15th.
Chapter co-chair KC Fockler commended the youths’ hard work, noting that they collected 310 lbs. of trash.
The academy’s goal is to help high school dropouts who participate in its residential program to succeed, saying: “Follow your dreams and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
It was a great day at the beach and Wahoo’s Fish Tacos supplied the food to keep everyone’s energy up.
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.
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Surfrider Earth Day Celebration – 04.22.21
Sweet Elle Cafe in Huntington Beach
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach chapter celebrated Earth Day at Sweet Elle Cafe in Huntington Beach (11th and Orange Street).
The community joined in the fun for a beach cleanup, meet-and-greet with USA Surf Team member Daniel Hughes (2019 Pan Am Games SUP bronze medal winner), children’s art contest, and more.
Including the unveiling of surf artist Dave Reynolds‘ new True Locals Collection of surf sculptures with 7 unique pieces representing California marine life.
Reynolds, an avid ocean environmentalist, told SurfWriter Girls, “I am stoked to announce a new direction in my career with these artworks.” He is donating a percentage from every sale to support the Huntington/Seal Beach Surfrider Foundation.
This special Earth Day event was a time to celebrate Mother Earth and help make her clean and beautiful. Over 200 people showed up and solo beach cleanup volunteers collected 113 lbs. of trash.
Everyone was excited to come out to the beach and to hear the news that Surfrider’s Adopt A Channel permit was granted by Orange County for the Santa Ana River channel.
Topping off the day, Sweet Elle Cafe gave 15 percent of its Earth Day revenues to Surfrider – a sweet treat for the planet!
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.
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High Tide – Low Tide
Chuck “Surf King” Linnen Book is Published!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfers were excited to hear that Chuck “Surf King” Linnen’s new book, High Tide – Low Tide, is published now. With a launch party (March 6th) at The River’s End jetty in Seal Beach – one of Linnen’s favorite surf spots.
Linnen, who was born in Long Beach, CA and began surfing in the 1950’s, went on to become a World Champion finalist in Makaha, HI, in 1961 and has competed in surfing all his life.
A National Scholastic Surfing Association Senior Champion and WSA Grand Master, Linnen has helped shape the surf culture, including teaching surfing legends like Corky Carroll how to shoot the pier at Huntington Beach.
In 2011 Linnen was inducted into both the Huntington Beach Walk of Fame and the Surfer’s Hall of fame.
A longtime supporter of the Surfrider Foundation’s goals, Linnen says, “Life’s like high tide, low tide. You show up at the beach, wax your board, say a prayer, and you surf.”
“It was great to see so many of Chuck’s surfing buddies show up – many of whom are surfing legends,” said Surfrider Huntington/Seal Beach Advisor Tony Soriano. Among those cheering Chuck on were Jericho Poppler, P.T. Townend and Bill Fury.
It was the perfect beach day and definitely one for telling stories and sharing the stoke.
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.
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Surfrider Splash It Forward in 2021
Clean the Beach Solo Style
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach chapter is asking everyone to Splash It Forward in 2021 by making a splash video and donation to Surfrider to support its environmental causes.
The proceeds from this year’s annual Huntington Beach New Year’s Day Surf City Splash, with everyone running into the ocean to celebrate the new year, were designated to go to Surfrider.
But with public events on hold, instead of the ocean plunge, the Splash has gone virtual. To join in, just video yourself making a splash – jumping into the ocean or a pool, getting squirted by a hose, any way you want. Then post the video on your social media and tag it #SplashItForward.
After that, make a donation and ask your friends to do the same (even a small one helps) at splashitforward.com.
Even though we can’t get together for beach cleanups yet, Surfrider encourages you to do a #SoloBeachCleanup by yourself whenever you can, helping to keep the beach clean and sharing the stoke remotely by tagging @hsbsurfrider on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
It’s more important than ever to support organizations that are doing positive things. Splash It Forward and Solo Beach Cleanups let you do that…and still stay safe.
SurfWriter Girls wish everyone a healthy and happy 2021
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.
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Surfrider Holiday Gifts
T’is the Season to Celebrate
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation gives so much to the world’s beaches and the environment, SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti want to give back to it…especially to our friends in the Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter.
So, enjoy these two Christmas stories we wrote just for you:
While you’re waiting for Santa to come down your chimney on Christmas Eve, check out the action on the beach earlier in the day in this flashback story from 2011. Just click on: The Day Before Christmas.
And, when you’re thinking about the gifts you would like to see under the tree, this 2014 story about Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s acclaimed book Gift from the Sea will remind you of all the treasures waiting for us to discover on the beach. Just click on: A Sea of Gifts to Discover.
The best gifts of all aren’t in the stores or coming from Amazon. They are the things we do with and for each other. And the moments of beauty and reflection we get from nature.
Season’s Greetings to all and to all a good night!
Sunny and Patti
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.
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Surfrider Trick or Treat
Beware the Bag Monster!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
With the winds kicking up and the fall leaves blowing, SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti can’t help thinking back to that fateful Surfrider Huntington/Seal Beach meeting on Halloween 2011. And now that the beach surveillance camera video was just found, it’s even more in our minds.
No one wanted to hold an executive committee meeting on Halloween, but it was the only time we could talk to Paul Ushon, the Beach Cities Disposal Board chairman, about the upcoming plastics initiative vote to get plastics out of the ocean.
When Ushon arrived at the remote River’s End Cafe it was almost dark and we were all anxious to get home.
Tony and Jeff had predicted Ushon would be difficult and they were right. “Take away plastic straws and the fast-food places will complain,” he said argumentatively. “And, if people don’t like plastic cups, why do all the cars have so many cup holders? What’s a little plastic anyway?”
“It’s more than a little,” said Sunny. “Haven’t you heard of the Bag Monster?” We explained that the plastic trash each person throws away each year is enough to make a giant monster. But, he just laughed.
“It’s not funny,” said Jeff. “The plastic gets in the ocean and is eaten by fish and gets into the food chain.”
“Like I care,” Ushon snorted. “I don’t eat fish.”
Exasperated, Tony asked him point blank, “So, what’s your vote going to be?”
“What’s it going to be?” Ushon said, drawing out the suspense to put the surfers in their place. Now he was the man. Not like when he used to get sand kicked in his face in high school. “Let’s just say you’re getting a trick tonight, no treats.” Then, with a smug look on his face, Paul Ushon walked out the door into the dark parking lot…never to be seen again.
Until now when the video was found. The video shows Ushon looking around, as if he hears something. Then he starts to run. Suddenly a strange shadow comes into view as Ushon struggles to open his car door.
Towering above him, the figure is a gigantic, translucent, writhing mass of plastic cups, straws, bottles, bags, and God knows what else.
Looking at the gruesome footage as the oozing horror of a Bag Monster sucks Ushon into the red slash of his cavernous mouth, we were all speechless.
Except for Sunny, who exclaimed, “He was recycled!”
Happy Halloween!
Beware the Bag Monster!
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.
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Surfrider Cleans Huntington Harbour
Staying Safe, Cleaning Up
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter is removing trash from Huntington Harbour again.
Shane Coons, the chapter’s Harbour Cleanup Chair, said that on July 12th, with safety precautions in place, 15 volunteers collected 130 lbs. of trash.
Using kayaks provided by Huntington Harbour Boat Rentals, the volunteers kept a safe distance while navigating the harbour’s waterways along Sunset Beach to collect the accumulated trash.
Coons said, ” It was a quiet, peaceful and successful morning dedicated to protecting the environment and we’re grateful to those who could join us.”
Afterward, everyone felt a sense of accomplishment and was happy to see the harbour so clean again.
If you would like to participate in a Harbour Cleanup, contact Coons at: Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Surfrider Float Wins 1st Prize in HB Parade
July 4, 2011 Flashback
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation not only cleans our beaches and protects the environment, but it’s part of the community. July 4th, 2011, in Huntington Beach, was a time to celebrate Independence Day and the things that unite us. It was a perfect SoCal day for a parade.
Surfrider’s HB chapter was ready to share the stoke and provide a float to remember – a giant Tidal Wave of Trash made out of recycled materials.
It conveyed Surfrider’s environmental message…and was a real show-stopper – winning First Prize!
There may not be a parade down Main Street this year, but we still have these memories…and the commitment to make the world a better place.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Food For Friends
Celebrating the Spirit of Ohana
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Instead of doing beach cleanups now, Surfrider Foundation volunteers are helping their friends and neighbors in need.
In the spirit of Ohana, they are gathering food to share with the community.
On Mother’s Day weekend volunteers from the Huntington/Seal Beach chapter joined forces with OneHBConnects to collect donated food at three drive-thru locations in Huntington Beach for later distribution.
Tony Soriano, the advisor to the Huntington/Seal Beach chapter, picked these fresh oranges to give out right off the tree.
During these difficult times, it’s important to remember the common bonds we share that bring us closer together…even when we’re apart.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Student Art Contest for the Environment
Huntington Beach Art Exhibit
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
SoCal student artists are putting their visions for protecting the environment into their art for the Huntington Beach Art Contest – 20/20…Perfect Vision for a Sustainable Future.
The contest, co-sponsored by the Surfrider Foundation, invites middle school and high school students to participate and have their artworks judged on creativity, originality and quality – just as these 2019 winners did.
Whether the focus is on land or water, students must depict what a sustainable future on Earth would be.
The deadline for entries
is April 30th
Submit at HB City Hall
The winning artists will be honored at an HB City Council meeting and receive prizes provided by the sponsors.
We only have one Earth. Through art we can help to save it.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Michigan Teens Clean Huntington Beach
Surfrider Gives Warm Welcome on MLK Day
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The new year got off to a clean start in Huntington Beach, CA, with cleanups on the beach and at Huntington Harbour.
And a special Martin Luther King Day event that had students from Michigan’s Great Lakes region joining in.
In less than an hour, the 46 teens – who are part of the Gone Boarding program in the Forest Hills Public School District in Grand Rapids – picked up over 62 lbs. of trash from the beach.
H/SB chapter advisor Tony Soriano, who led the cleanup with education coordinator KC Fockler, told the students about Surfrider:
“What we do and our mission of the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.”
It was a message that hit home with the students, who share many of the same goals through Gone Boarding, an educational program that focuses on teaching them how to design, build and ride all types of boards – from snowboards and surfboards to skateboards.
Channeling the students’ love of sports into the tangible skill of making their own boards, the program also focuses on developing relationship skills and interacting with the community – both locally and globally – to make a positive difference.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Living Green In Huntington Beach
Surfrider Foundation Chapter Wins Award
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce announced the 2019 winner of its annual Living Green Award –
the Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter.
The chapter’s weekly beach cleanups, ongoing environmental education activities and community volunteer work earned it a wave of support in the balloting.
The award honors “the organization making the most considerable effort to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Amy Anderson, the chamber’s Administrative Coordinator. Surfrider’s H/SB Chapter does this and more, keeping the local beaches clean and adding to the vibrancy of the city.
Chapter President Stephanie Pedroza and Tony Soriano, the chapter’s Staff Advisor, were excited to win the award. Soriano said, “Surfrider is honored to receive this award and to be able to help make Huntington Beach such a special place.”
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Paddle For Clean Water
Join Surfrider On October 6TH
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Join the hundreds of participants who will be paddling their surfboards, SUPs, and kayaks around San Diego’s Ocean Beach Pier to raise awareness of what the Surfrider Foundation is doing to protect and advocate for clean water.
At 1,971 ft., it’s the longest concrete pier on the West Coast.
So, get ready to paddle and be part of the solution for clean water. Surfrider’s San Diego Chapter is eager to have you on board.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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International Coastal Cleanup Day 2019
Surfrider and Others Come Together for the Ocean
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider Foundation members will be out in force for International Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 21 – one of the world’s largest annual volunteer preservation events for our ocean, waves and beaches.
A global movement encompassing 6 million volunteers throughout the U.S. and in 90 countries, ICCD also includes Heal the Bay, Ocean Conservancy, Sierra Club, and other environmental groups.
There will be activities and events at local beaches to clean the coastline and generate awareness of what people can do to promote healthy beaches on a daily basis.
Some of the top five most commonly collected items on ICCD last year were cigarette butts, plastic beverage bottles, food wrappers, plastic bottle caps and plastic straws.
To find an event and join in, check with a Surfrider Foundation chapter near you or one of the other participating groups.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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After the Open
Surfrider and Vans Clean the Beach!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
After the winners have been announced and the half-million spectators head for home, the Vans US Open of Surfing isn’t officially over until the beach is clean.
That’s when the Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter steps in for its annual beach cleanup with Vans employees.
Away from center stage with just the sounds of the waves to cheer them on, the H/SB volunteers and Vans team, along with some help from the Gudauskas brothers, get to work.
Enjoying the spirit of ohana – family – they collect all the trash and remnants left behind from the nine-day festival of surf, skateboard and BMX competitions.
Sharing the stoke and friendships is what makes Vans – and surfing! – so special…an awesome blend of “Off the Wall” experiences.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Surfrider Celebrates Chapter’s Newlyweds
Heather and YoYo – Flying High Together!
The weekend after International Surfing Day was the perfect time for the Surfrider Foundation’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter to celebrate the marriage of newlyweds Heather and YoYo Bianchi.
Partners in LA Video Drone, which provides aerial coverage of beach events and coordinates the chapter’s media, the couple was relaxed and happy at this post-wedding reception. “We’re glad that we can be together with our Surfrider family,” said Heather.
Joe “Samoa” McMullin, his wife Lori and their dog Rusty made everyone feel at home in their tropical backyard oasis.
Joe’s tri-tip and sausages, Tony’s famous chili and Richard’s jalapena poppers spiced up the day.
And, the Patron tequila toast to the newlyweds reminded everyone of the feelings of love and ohana that we all share.
Cheers to Heather and YoYo!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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International Surfing Day – 2019
An Epic Day to Share the Stoke!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
From the littlest groms to the most seasoned surfers, the Surfrider tribe came together on International Surfing Day to celebrate the ocean and the sport they love.
In Huntington Beach Tony Soriano was front and center making sure that all went well and everyone had a great time.
Haus of Show kept the good vibes going with yoga on the beach.
There were surf and eco-minded exhibitors of all kinds.
Long-time sponsor Volcom shared the stoke and Derek Sabori told how they ethically source materials.
The LA Video Drone soared high above the crowd.
Surfers morphed into mermaids.
And everyone pitched in to clean the beach…making it beautiful.
Like Tree in Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree story, the Beach gives us everything and now this was a day to give back to the Beach and to celebrate surfing.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Cowabunga!
Surfrider Celebrates International Surfing Day!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider Foundation chapters around the world are heading to the beach on June 15th to celebrate surfing – the sport of Hawaiian kings.
With up to 200 events in more than 30 countries, it’s a day to honor the beach and share the stoke.
Meet with friends, catch some waves, clean the beach and give thanks for this sport that offers so much joy.
When British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778 and saw a Pacific Islander surfing he was captivated by the sight.
Cook wrote in his journal: “I could not help concluding this man had the most supreme pleasure while he was driven so fast and smoothly by the sea.”
So, join the ISD celebration, get on board and enjoy the ride.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Hands Across the Sand
Event Promotes Clean Beaches
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider Foundation chapters across the U.S. are gearing up for the annual Hands Across the Sand event May 18, 2019.
Started in 2009 by Surfrider member Dave Rauschkolb, the event brings people together to oppose new offshore drilling and fossil fuel development and to promote clean energy.
Among the organizations involved are Oceana, Healthy Gulf, SoWal Beaches, Earth Ethics, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
At 12 p.m. local time participants at beaches and parks around the world will join hands for 15 minutes to demonstrate their support for protecting our coasts and finding new energy solutions.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Ohana Day – Celebrate Mother Earth!
Family, Friends, Fun & the Future
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation’s Ohana Day, April 13th, is a Hawaiian-themed celebration of family and Mother Earth that brings people together with beach activities and environmental education.
It’s a day to have fun, learn about the ocean, take a surfing lesson, help clean the beach, listen to music and more. It’s also a time to get the next generation on board to respect and safeguard the environment so we can all work together toward a better future.
That’s happening now with the Surfrider Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter’s new alliance with students from the Talbert Middle School Surfrider Club.
H/SB chapter advisory board director Tony Soriano and education chairman KC Fockler praised the students’ efforts. Fockler said he’s excited about their “passion about being stewards of the ocean.”
Amy Trimm, the club’s advisor, adds that it’s “taking on a variety of projects that would make anyone proud.” In addition to helping with beach cleanups, the students are developing presentations for K-5 students about protecting the environment and are reaching out to restaurants to utilize Ocean Friendly food practices that reduce plastic pollution.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel are excited about everything the students are doing, too, and the power of Ohana to make the world a better place.
The word “Ohana” comes from the Hawaiian word for taro plant (oha), the Hawaiian staple of life. In Hawaiian lore it’s believed that, like the plant, we are all connected to a common bulb with shoots sprouting out to create a universal family.
Now, with the addition of the Talbert Middle School Surfrider Club, that family is stronger than ever!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Boise State Broncos On Board!
Students Help Surfrider Clean Seal Beach
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach chapter was excited to welcome the Boise State Broncos on board for a special beach cleanup in Seal Beach, March 19th.
Twenty Boise State University students came all the way from Idaho – some 900 miles – to enjoy the SoCal sunshine and help clean the beach. Tony Soriano, the H/SB Chapter Coordinator, said, “It was the farthest distance any group has come to join in a cleanup.”
Living up to the school’s motto “You don’t just go to Boise State. You begin an Adventure,” the students fanned out over the beach collecting 379.5 lbs. of trash.
One student alone, Kimberlynn Mumma, picked up 60 lbs. – winning a skateboard as a prize!
The energetic volunteers “learned a lot from the experience,” said Soriano, adding that they were part of Boise State’s TRIO Upward Bound program from Borah and Capital high schools and were all interested in environmentalism and sustainability.
And, thanks to their efforts, the beach was clean again…bringing the students one step closer on their journey to change the world.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Protecting CA’s Santa Ana River Basin
CSUSB and Surfrider Join Forces
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter members Tony Soriano and Pam Conti were featured speakers at California State University, San Bernardino’s Snow to Sea event in February discussing stewardship of the Santa Ana River Basin.
The Santa Ana River Basin, which stretches from the San Bernardino Mountains through the Inland Empire and Orange County to the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach, is the largest and most populated river basin in Southern California. Covering 210 sq. miles, it crosses a diverse landscape from Alpine forests to semi-arid deserts and has an impact on agricultural, urban and recreational properties.
Calling on students, faculty and the community to become environmental stewards of the river, the event’s goal was to educate, energize and engage people in learning about the numerous opportunities to experience and protect the unique resources of the river basin.
It was also an opportunity for the university to showcase the effectiveness of utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that draws on everyone’s skills to enhance the river basin and make good use of its environmental resources.
Conti, the H/SB Chapter’s education and Blue Water Task Force chair, has an up-close view of the Santa Ana River where it empties into the sea. To measure pollutants in the ocean, she developed a program for her fifth grade students at the Pegasus School to conduct water testing as part of the curriculum.
Soriano, the director of the H/SB Chapter’s advisory board, helps organize weekly beach clean-ups in Huntington and Seal Beach and works with organizations and the community to build awareness of the need to safeguard our waterways and oceans – from the mountains to the sea.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Last Cleanup of the Year!
Surfrider and Costa Clean the Beach
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter came together on Saturday, December 8, for one last beach cleanup in 2018.
With sponsor sunglass company Costa del Mar on board, the cleanup capped an amazing year of beach cleanups with 260 volunteers collecting 501 lbs. of trash.
Costa, who’s celebrating its 35th anniversary, is a member of the Surfrider Foundation’s Coastal Defender’s program, a collection of leaders who have aligned to strengthen Surfrider’s mission to protect and enjoy our oceans, waves and beaches.
In addition to removing trash from the beach, the year-end cleanup was a fun-filled day for everyone and a chance to educate the community about the need to keep the environment clean.
Working together to get rid of pollution is critical for us and for Planet Earth.
Let’s make a New Year’s resolution to: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
That’s the purrfect solution so we all can enjoy clean beaches!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Garden
Blooms At Shorebreak Hotel
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter dropped by the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel this fall – not to check in, but to plant an Ocean Friendly Garden (OFG).
In addition to being beautiful and adding to the hotel’s beach vibe, the garden focuses on three principles to protect the environment: Conservation, Permeability, and Retention.
Utilizing low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants, it conserves natural resources and guards against irrigation runoff, keeping pollutants out of our waterways and oceans.
The Shorebreak – a surf-inspired Huntington Beach resort that’s one of Condé Nast Traveler‘s top ten Southern California hotels – prides itself on being eco-friendly. Utilizing sustainable practices, it uses nontoxic cleaning supplies, extensively recycles, and minimizes its water consumption.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti are excited about the hotel’s new garden and what the Surfrider volunteers and partner SiteOne Landscape Supplies did to bring it to life.
With its coastal feel, open-air patio with firepits, and beach-chic dining, The Shorebreak is the perfect spot for an Ocean Friendly Garden to bloom.
Thanks to Surfrider and LA Video Drone for photos!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Celebrating Tony and Ben!
A Surfrider Salute During Surfing Open!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter had a lot to celebrate during this year’s Vans US Open of Surfing.
Tony Soriano was honored for his 12-years of service as the chapter’s chair, working to keep our oceans, waves and beaches clean.
Surfing is in Tony’s DNA and he loves the challenge and the thrill of it. “Surfing isn’t a team sport. It’s you against nature,” he explained to SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel. He joined the Surfrider Foundation to help clean up the environment and to educate others about the need to protect it.
The chapter thanked Tony with a big splash at a pool party on the first day of the Open.
At the same time, chapter member Duke Aipa’s father – legendary Hawaiian boardshaper Ben Aipa – made headlines for two prestigious awards: his induction into the Surfing Walk of Fame and Surfers’ Hall of Fame.
Ben, a former professional surfer who was mentored by Duke Kahanamoku and is known for his innovative swallow tail surfboards, has coached many top surfers. He took up surfing at the age of 23 and says that it “forever changed my life.”
The Open does more than focus on world class competition. It focuses on the things that bring us together and the people who are making a difference in the sport of surfing and the ocean environment.
In this week of awards and honors in Surf City USA, it was exciting to see the recognition Tony and Ben received!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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International Surfing Day – June 16, 2018
Surfing, Summer Solstice, New Sponsor and More!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug & Patti Kishel
The Surfrider Foundation’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter is excited to celebrate International Surfing Day and the Summer Solstice all in one while welcoming a new eco-minded sponsor on board – Yachak Organic, maker of Yerba Mate beverages.
So mark your calendar and join in the festivities at the Huntington Beach Pier from 8 – 1 pm! It’s a tri-chapter event with Newport and Long Beach and everyone’s welcome. There will be lots to celebrate as surfers come together to share in the joy of this sport of Hawaiian kings and give back to our oceans and beaches.
“There will be paddle-outs, surfing lessons, SUP demos, yoga on the beach, surf industry displays, beach cleanups, and music,” says Duke Aipa, the H/SB Chapter’s Surf Ambassador.
An annual event started in 2005 by the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation and Surfing magazine, there are now ISD events around the world.
“Surfrider’s H/SB Chapter is in good company this year with ISD Title Sponsor Yachak Organic because they share the same commitment to protect and give back to the environment,” says Chapter Chair Tony Soriano.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel learned that Yachak is the name the indigenous Kichwa people of the Sarayaku in the Ecuadorian Amazon give to their Shamans in honor of “the one who knows.”
Like the Shamans, Yachak Organic upholds high standards. Its Yerba Mate products are certified Fair Trade through the Fair for Life Organization. Its supply chain ingredients include Fair Trade Organic Yerba Mate and FTO sugar from Brazil and contribute to over 3,000 Fair Trade jobs in local communities. Plus Yachak Organic products are certified Non-GMO by the “Non GMO Project”, certified Kosher through the Orthodox Union, and are Gluten-Free and Vegan.
Yachak Organic is glad to be part of Surfrider’s family and able to share the stoke on ISD. It says, “As a new company our goal is to protect endangered species and the environment. Yachak Organic proudly supports the Surfrider Foundation, Mali Elephant Project, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Save the Elephants, Orangutan Project and the Orangutan Conservancy.”
With a whole host of other sponsors out in force for ISD, as well – including longtime supporters Vans, Volcom, Kind, Rubio’s, Chick-fil-A, and more – it’s sure to be a sunny day!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Reduce Reuse Recycle Surf Off
Event Promotes Clean Oceans!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach member Seth Matson does more than focus on keeping his local beaches clean. Through the non-profit Drains to Ocean organization he started he works on getting litter and pollution out of the waterways that lead to the ocean.
To help build awareness of upstream pollution, Matson and former pro surfer Jeff Deffenbaugh teamed up to host this year’s Drains to Ocean eco-friendly Reduce Reuse Recycle Surf Off event in Huntington Beach on May 19th to promote clean waterways and beaches.
One of the key ways to get pollution out of the ocean is to “stop it at its source,” says Matson, noting that the major cause of ocean and beach pollution is from upstream water runoff bringing discarded trash.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel have seen first hand how hard Matson works keeping our beaches clean. It’s a big job. Every time someone throws a wrapper, cigarette butt or other trash on the ground it ends up somewhere…often at the beach.
Eight million pieces of trash enter the ocean everyday. Cigarette butts are the number one item. Worldwide over 4 1/2 trillion cigarette butts are littered each year, many of them ending up in the sea.
With its grassroots network of volunteers, Drains to Ocean is helping to reduce the level of pollution in our rivers, lakes and oceans and to protect the environment for everyone to enjoy.
The organization’s annual RRR Surf Off brings family and friends together for a day of surfing contests, beach cleanup, educational activities, awards ceremony, art show and more.
This year’s surfing finalists got a free pair of Vans shoes and the winners got unique trophies – artwork collages made from recycled materials found on the beach.
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Help Your Harbor!
Surfrider Fights Inland Pollution
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfrider’s Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter members do more than keep the beaches clean. They’ve taken their cleanup efforts upstream to Huntington Harbour.
Under the direction of Help Your Harbor chair Shane Coons, shown here with Councilwoman Jill Hardy, volunteers are cleaning Huntington Harbour.
They are also raising awareness about the link between pollution in inland waterways and ocean and beach pollution that comes from water runoff. Most ocean pollution begins on land and flows to the sea.
Exchanging surfboards for kayaks, volunteers can be seen on the first Sunday of every month removing trash from the harbor and talking to locals about the need to properly dispose of waste and use biodegradable materials that don’t harm the environment.
In February action sports company VANS and Surfrider joined forces to clean the harbor – removing 68 lbs. of trash!
Together they made the harbor look beautiful and helped protect crucial ecosystems – a win/win for everyone!
Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.
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.
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Surfrider Rings in the Holidays!
Tri-Chapter Party Celebrates the Season
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfers from Long Beach to Newport Beach were on board for Surfrider’s annual Tri-Chapter Holiday Party at Campus JAX restaurant in Newport Beach.
