Waves for Water: Bali
Waves for Water has been globetrotting around the world in efforts to bring clean water to those in need. Founder Jon Rose recently drank water from the Amazon River and aided in bringing clean water to Afghanistan. Next up, Bali.
From the mouths of babes: Bali has given us surfers the waves of our lives. So why not give back? Jon Rose, Waves for Water and H2O need your help to bring clean drinking water to the thousands of Balinese who need it. Through the Clean Water Courier program you can make a difference by bringing a few water filters to Indonesia (or anywhere else in the world for that matter) and passing them out to the local communities. You’re still able to do what you love (surf), and help in the process.
Seriously, Rose could save the world with our help. Athlebrities will be closely following Rose, his journey, success and progress of the water couriers until everyone has access to clean water, because really, there is NO reason for this not to be successful given the ease of delivery and proven results of the water filters.
Learn more at WAVES FOR WATER
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfers for Cetaceans: ‘Minds in The Water’
Surfers for Cetaceans: ‘Minds in The Water’
If ocean minded people are to pass on a sustainable culture then they must become responsible stewards of their coastal environment
~ Dave Rastovich
- Cetaceans: Any of various aquatic, chiefly marine mammals of the order Cetacea, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, characterized by a nearly hairless body, anterior limbs modified into broad flippers, vestigial posterior limbs, a flat notched tail and an IQ higher than most Mensa members.
An amazing organization called ‘Surfers for Cetaceans’ has been making waves towards saving our sea-life and will be in the house for a kick-off screening of their documentary ‘Minds in The Water’ on Sept 29in Santa Barbara. (More dates here)
The documentary follows super-hot professional Free Surfer Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich and friends, including Hollywood’s Isabel Lucas and Hayden Panettiere, as they embark on an international mission to save dolphins, whales and the oceans we all share. Through a five-year adventure – from Australia to the Galapagos, Chile, California, Alaska and Japan – we see one surfer’s transformation from observer to activist in his desire to defend the seas and its inhabitants. (Note, if the above trailer didn’t tug at your heartstrings and inspire you in some way, then you are on the wrong blog.)
The film, which was critically received at its original North American premire in August, was backed by the Humane Society of the United States as the Festival’s Official Opening Night NGO Partner.
“The surfing community has such deep roots in Southern California,” said the films director Justin Krumb, “and so many people here care about the issues the oceans face, that we feel it’s an amazing opportunity to showcase what a few motivated people can accomplish with passionate determination.”
Rastovich hopes the film will inspire surfers around the world to take a deeper look at how they can do their part “to resolve human-created problems that exist in our most cherished aspect of life, namely the ocean.”
Considered me moved Rasta Dave.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfers for Cetaceans (S4C) is committed to activating ocean-minded people everywhere to support the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their habitat. It’s through compassion, awareness, education, media and dedicated interventions that we operate. We seek to be a human voice for and defender of cetaceans worldwide. Co-founded in 2004 by Australian surfers/activists Dave Rastovich and Howie Cooke, S4C has grown worldwide, with offices in California and a grass roots following in Europe and South America.
22nd Annual Waterman’s Ball
22nd Annual Waterman’s Ball
Almost half a million dollars in net proceeds rolled in from the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association’s (SIMA) 22nd annual Waterman’s Weekend. The tight knit surfing community gathered Friday, at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, to honor three very important members of their tribe. Greg Long, was awarded Watermen of the Year, former Malibu Mayor Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner, for Environmentalist of the Year, and George Downing, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. All three individuals have helped change the face of the sport, the industry, and the ocean’s environment.
Athlebrities had a chance to speak with Greg Long, who was very humbled by his peers and the entire surf industries need to honor him for his actions in and out of the water. He also thanked his parents for installing morals and values early on, that have allowed him to live a good, clean, healthy life, and he encourages and continues to inspire others to do the same. When asked why the surf industry is much more into giving back Long explained,“it would just be naïve for people to think to be able to build such an amazing industry and not be giving back and protecting and preserving those same resources for the generations to come… I’m proud to say I am surfer and part of this kind of tribe, and it is just as much about giving back as receiving the joy that the ocean gives us.”
When asked what’s the one thing we could all do to support the Waterman’s cause Long answered, “I think the simple thing is to educate yourself and educate others and once you have that power behind yourself and others then your action will follow suite…it doesn’t take much to realize your obligation as a human being, not to just enjoy your time but, also to hope that others will as well and by educating yourself, it is the most powerful tool.” Greg also supports the Surfrider Foundation, Save the Waves Foundation, Waves for Water and the San Onofre Foundation.
While accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award, George Downing spoke of the three powers on Earth that he learned from legendary surfer John Kelly, the power of God, the power of money and people power. Downing explained, “Now God is so busy he cant pay attention to what we are trying to accomplish here, the legal aspects of what we do, ends up in the courts, and the more money you have the more you go in to courts, the only thing that we have is the power of people. When people get up and do those things that they want to accomplish, we will accomplish it.” He also gave thanks for all that Waikiki has given surfing and said to the crowd, “So, always remember to take care of Waikiki, I leave that in your hands…we’ve got a wonderful sport, take care of it, it nurtures itself if we take care of the facilities that make it all happen.”
The purpose and most important objective of gathering the surf community and 200 member brands that represent SIMA, is giving back and helping to protect the very thing that gives them an industry in the first place, the ocean. Hosted by the wonderful and talented Sal Masekela, this years festivities set a Waterman’s record raising close to $400,000 for SIMA’s beneficiaries.
-Jessica Hernandez
SIMA’s Waterman’s Ball
SIMA’s Waterman’s Ball
On Friday night, SIMA held their 22nd annual Waterman’s Ball as part of their weekend activities to raise funds for 20 ocean-conservation organizations. Honored at the event were three surf industry legends, George Downing, Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner and Greg Long.
Athlebrities will have a full review posted soon, but in the meantime, we were very excited to speak with Greg Long about his actions in and out of the water (full interview will be posted on Look to the Stars). He did tell us that his brother Rusty-who was badly burned in an accident-was to be released from the hospital on Saturday-much earlier than expected. Also spotted in the crown, Nia Peeples-who was sending out supportive tweets all night; Jane’s Addiction front man Perry Farrell and family, and Pamela Anderson with her hot surfer boyfriend Jon Rose.
Stay tuned-full write-up coming later…photo above Athlebrities with Greg Long and his dimples.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfboards, Autism, Pearl Jam and Incubus
Surfboards, Autism, Pearl Jam and Incubus
Thank god for surfers. Sometimes I feel if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be harnessing the healing powers of the ocean or tackling the environmental issues that stem from polluted waters. But we are, thanks in part to two surf related organizations that are leading the pack.
First, the Surfrider Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans through conservation, activism, research and education…its represented by over 50,000 members and 60+ local chapters in the U.S., with affiliations in Australia, Japan, France, and Brazil…and mark your calendars kids because on October 9 in Los Angeles, they are celebrating their 25th anniversary in style by awarding the ‘Surfriders Keeper of the Coast Award’ to Incubus AND Pearl Jam. This award is only given out once every five years to celebrities who have made significant contributions towards helping the foundation fulfill its mission. Joining Pearl Jam and Incubus at the bash? Baywatch actor David Chokachi, and a performance by the legendary Camp Freddy (featuring members from Jane’s Addiction, the Cult and Guns n’ Roses)…get your tickets HERE.
The second organization which is transforming lives-literally-is Surfers Healing. If you’re a regular reader, you should know by now that Surfers Healing was founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz after their son Isaiah was diagnosed with autism. Soon, they realized the only place where Isaiah seemed to find respite was the ocean…so Izzy took Isaiah out surfing, (sharing the same board) and it had such a profound impact on Isaiah that Izzy and his wife decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children…they soon began hosting day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing-and today, its one of the most recognized surf related organizations to spread love to autistic kids coast-to-coast. Most recently, you may recall, it was giving a massive dose of love from Flea during the Liquid Nation Ball.
And it’s not just Flea stepping up to support Izzy and his organization… surf legends such as Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Matt Archbold, Makua Rothman, Sunny Garcia, Garrett McNamarra, Dustin Barca, Michael and Dereck Ho, Shane and Gavin Beshen, the Malloy Brothers, Shaun Tomson, Joel Tudor, Nathan Fletcher and Timmy Patterson, have all recently stepped up and donated surfboards and surf memorabilia to be auctioned off the top the Ritz-Carlton, (Laguna), during the Second Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction to benefit Surfers Healing. Several celebrities, including Scott Caan, Benjiman Bratt and Robert Hays, also signed boards and items…All surf items will be on display from Sunday, November 22 through December 31, 2009 with the bidding closing at noon on December 31, 2009. For more info, please visit SurfersHealing.org.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Life Rolls On ‘Night by the Ocean’ Benefit
Life Rolls On ‘Night by the Ocean’ Benefit
Just discovered a great event and awesome foundation thanks to those blue eyes of Kelly Slater…the Life Rolls on Foundation held their 5th Annual “Night by the Ocean” Benefit last Sunday…also bringing a wee-bit more attention to this event was Prison Break babe Dominic Purcell.
Over 500 celebrities, surf stars and supporters stepped out in full force to support the Life Rolls On Foundation which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Sponsor Disaboom kicked in $75k while saluting the efforts of IMG Sports & Entertainment for their efforts in promoting positive images of people with spinal cord injury.
Don’t know how many of you have tried surfing before. Living in San Diego has given me pa-lenty of time on a board and I can tell ya its not easy. After watching autistic kids surf via the aid of ‘Surfers Healing’ I vowed never to have a bad day. And now, as we face this insane economic crisis, let’s keep it in perspective. Most of us can walk, talk and enjoy the freedoms that some can’t. The Life Rolls On Foundation rightly deserves some serious attention…as do those with spinal cord injuries. Combine ‘em both- add a few waves and a splash or two Kelly Slater into the mix and ya got yourself one hell of a foundation.
The black tie gala was held at the historic Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom, and the red carpet (complete with wheelchair access) was walked by: Kelly Slater, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Jenna Fischer, Brooke Burns, Dominic Purcell, Morgan Spurlock, Rob Machado, Brandon Boyd, Jeffrey Donovan, Brandon Jenner, Linda Thompson, Brandon Davis, Jason Davis and David Chokachi.
This years fundraiser was the largest ever for the Foundation and raised a whopping $340,000 thanks to heavy bidding during the cocktail reception…guests enjoyed dinner by Wolfgang Puck…Highlights of the evening included Kelly Slater underwriting Life Rolls On Foundation’s upcoming family fair for kids with spinal cord injury, Brooke Burns buying a trip to Tavarua Island, David Katzenberg winning a surfboard signed by Dean Morrison, Jeffrey Donovan winning a trip to Costa Rica, Jenna Fischer sponsoring a They Will Ski event to give children with SCI the opportunity to ski this winter and Sal Masekela donating $10,000 to the foundation.
Scheduled host for the evening, Sal Masekela, couldn’t make it due to a flight delay, so LRO founder Jesse Billauer took to the stage. Morgan Spurlock opened the ceremony followed by contributions from Dominic Purcell, Brandon Boyd, Rob Machado, Jeffrey Donovan, Jodie Nelson and Josh Billauer (Jesse’s brother).
About Life Rolls On: Founded in 1999, Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Utilizing action sports as a platform to push the bounds of possibility after SCI, Life Rolls On produces quality of life programming, raises awareness about spinal cord injury and funds research to find a cure. With a network of more than 70,000 supporters worldwide, LRO is one of the fastest growing, contemporary charitable organizations in the country and has been featured in national print, television and radio. In 2007, the organization received its first EMMY® nomination for Best National Public Service Announcement. For more information, visit www.liferollson.org. Also be sure to check out thier YouTube Channel.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfers Unite for Charity: Liquid Nation Ball
LIQUID LOVE
On September 5, professional surfers and surf industry executives will converge at the annual Liquid Nation Ball – a charity fundraiser benefiting social and humanitarian organizations. This years ‘humanitarian of the year’ award will be given to Dr. Dave Jenkins, who founded SurfAid International. SurfAid delivers critical medical aide, malaria relief and prevention programs to the Mentawai people, off the western coast of Sumatra (Indonesia).
If you go the event, you’ll mingle with hot surfers while enjoying live music and bidding on one-of-a-kind-items…last year, the event raised $250,000…this year’s proceeds will be donated to Boarding for Breast Cancer, Keep a Breast, Surfer’s Healing, Jimmy Miller Foundation, AccesSurf Hawaii, Outdoor Outreach, Get a Board Foundation, Ka Keikio Hawaii Foundation, Stoked Mentoring, L.A. Surf Bus, Life Rolls On, Project Wipeout, SurfAid International and Sumba Foundation. For more info and how to buy tickets to this very affordable and worthwhile event, (held in San Diego) please visit: Liquid Nation.
Liquid Nation Ball is the annual fundraiser for the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association’s (SIMA) Humanitarian Fund. Established in 2006, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund was created to serve as the humanitarian arm of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association by raising money from the public through fundraisers and solicitations. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund uses these funds to promote and support surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health, and/or welfare of people.
SURFERS HEAL
The reason I mention the Liquid Ball is not solely because its hot surfers raising money for charity, but because a week earlier, I went to the Surfers Healing Camp in San Diego. Surfers Healing is one of the beneficiaries of the Liquid Nations Ball…and they are doing remarkable things with children who suffer from autism.
Surfers Healing was founded by Israel (Izzy above) and Danielle Paskowitz after their 3-year-old son Isiah was diagnosed with autism. The ocean was the only place that seemed to calm Isaiah down, so, being a former competitive surfer, daddy Israel had the idea to paddle out with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard…after a day surfing together, the positive and profound impact on Isaiah was obvious, and Izzy and Danielle decided to share this unique therapy with other autistic children and have been hosting camps at various beaches ever since.
And let me just say, wow. I am not an expert on autism by a long shot, but I am an expert on noticing good-deeds being done by fine men. The Surfers Healing Camp was held in San Diego on August 20. This little event needs much more attention-apparently the one in Malibu is off the hook-but in any case, watching big, tan, strong, surfers hoist little kids onto a surfboard and paddle out to sea is something to be seen.
Most of the kids were beyond excited. Kicking up clumps of sand as they ran by and jumped into the waves while the ‘surfers’ tried to snatch ‘em up and paddle them out. Some kids grabbed surfboards and tried to head out on their own as the surfers scrambled to keep up with them.
Every child at camp was smiling. Every parent at camp was smiling. Every surfer, every random beach-goer who strolled by was smiling. And it wasn’t just because of the sunshine and warm ocean temperatures…we were witnessing the magical healing powers of the ocean combined with massive amounts of love from these surfers and it was, simply put, beautiful.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com