Surfing Reflections

My love for the sea and its creatures grows more and more as I surf. I had these simple reflections last week while paddling out to the line-up to catch a wave in Gubat, Sorsogon during their annual Surf Camp.

For someone who learned to surf in the clear waters of Dahican Beach, surfing in an ocean with some plastics floating around is really yuckie. But for the love of the sea and surf I played anyway.

Here are some of the reflections I had while out there on the sea:

1. I’m a terrestrial being.

I’m a visitor of the sea and everytime I go to the beach, I should be aware that I’m not from there. I should respect the inhabitants of it. I guess the LNT principle applies not only in the mountains but moreso on the beach and seas. Leave No Trace.

Easter Sunday Surf Sesh. That’s me paddling to the peak. (Photo credits: Gab Sarmiento/blunt magazine)

I’m reminded of one surfing session in Mati City where a green sea turtle suddenly was swimming below our surfboards. It was an awesome display of camaraderie and I felt that the turtle was welcoming us in their home, playing with us because we didn’t mean any trouble.

The cove we are surfing in Gubat, Sorsogon is called “Breeding” because according to the locals its was a breeding place for turtles before. It was sad to learn that there were no turtles to found there at this time. I have to say kudos to Gubat Bay Surfers for always cleaning the beach and the camp but the locals around the area should learn from them. Well, I guess the kids would be taught to dispose their trashes properly. You see, an old dog can’t learn new tricks.

2. Because I play in the water, I need to take care of the water.

Reminded me of my childhood days wen we will go to Quezon City Circle to play- bike, badminton, etc. Our parents would always remind us to keep our candy wrappers, plastics in our pockets so as to minimize waste. Later did I knew that I would bring that practice until now. If you are a parent, please teach your kids this simple practice. Small acts like these would make a big difference in the future.

3. It’s disrespectful to leave trash in my friend’s place.

Imagine your visiting friend leaves his trash bin in your house. Of course you will say “WTF dude!” So imagine what the fishes of the sea or the little critters in the sand would say when you flick your cigarette butt in what they call home. I call the sea creatures my friends. Are they your friends too?

4. Be proactive.

I should stop blaming and start doing something to counter the problem. So instead of complaining that its dirty,  I started to collect the floating trashes and put those in my boardshorts’ side pocket in between sets. I don’t want to put myself on a pedestal but I saw that others followed.

Off topic: While on the public market buying some food. I saw at least 4 baby sharks being sold, without fins. I was saddened by it. I hope the planned seminar/talk for kids will push through. I don’t want to blame the poor fishermen, I want to be proactive and reverse the cycle by starting with the youth and kids.

5. Connected to #4, I think the best way is to minimize the use of plastics.

I always say this- stop using straw, plastic bags, cups. One example- a small plastic bag looks like a jellyfish in the ocean and can mistakenly eaten by whales, dolphins and turtles. Have you read the news that a one risso’s dolphin was found dead and when they did an autopsy, its belly was full of plastic bags.

I will not stop here, I want you to do something too.

Would you be PROACTIVE enough to do something for the love of the sea?

Add your resolve on the comments section below.

Thanks in advance for sharing these reflections!

Ending this piece with a quote from the greatest surfer in the world,

“I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it’s almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time” –Kelly Slater