2006 ISA Aloha Cup
ISA STAFF LENDS A HAND
June 21, 2006: International Surfing Day was originally created by Surfing Magazine as the unofficial, official surfer’s holiday. The purpose of the day is to celebrate surfing while bringing awareness to our oceans and beaches. The International Surfing Association staff and volunteers lent a hand yesterday participating in two beach cleanups.
In the early afternoon, the ISA joined Reef in Pacific Beach, San Diego for several hours of beach cleanup and surfing. Dozens of employees from Reef swarmed the beach with trash bags in hand, ready to make a difference. Many onlookers couldn’t help but ask, “What’s this for?” giving everyone involved the opportunity to spread the word about International Surfing Day and the importance of keeping our beaches clean. Many volunteers were greeted with a “thank you” from fellow beachgoers clearly appreciative of the effort. After successfully cleaning the beach from Law Street to the Crystal Pier, this group was ready to hit the water and truly celebrate the holiday.
ISA with volunteers at Reef Trash Pickup
With one beach cleanup and some surfing under the ISA’s belt it was time to move down the coast to Mission Beach, San Diego where the Surfrider Foundation was sponsoring a beach cleanup. The ISA staff and volunteers hit this second beach with vigor collecting even more trash and over 1000 cigarette butts. When asked why the ISA got involved in the day’s festivities, ISA Operations Manager Kate Herber responded, “One of the ISA’s objectives is working for the conservation and improvement of coastal environments, which is perfectly illustrated today. There’s no better way to show our dedication to this cause than to get involved and actually make a difference.” ISA volunteer Michael Cox added, “International Surfing Day is an incredible way to bring people together to actively do something about protecting the beaches we enjoy everyday.”
Joie, Alan Honadle (SD Surfrider Chairman), and Kate
Misty Hakola, Michael Cox, Kate Herber, Joie Jacala, Socorro Velasco, Barbara Jacala and Suki Jacala taking part in International Surfing Day
Volunteers resting after working hard at the Surfrider Trash Pickup
International Surfing Day was a huge success and the ISA hopes to make this an annual tradition and encourages others to help out. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved in the festivities especially Reef and the Surfrider Foundation for organizing two amazing events. For more information on the International Surfing Association, please visit at www.isasurf.org or e-mail us at surf@isasurf.org.
For more information on International Surfing Day, please visit http://surfingthemag.com
