You might be wondering what in the world I would have an article on surfing on a blog whose primary focus is snorkeling. I could answer that by telling you that many of the products on our snorkeling website are quite capable for use in other water sport activities. Our snorkeling masks are suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving while our wetsuits and shorties are quite useful in many water sports including wind surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, scuba diving, free diving, skin diving and surfing. That answer would be true but it is not the actual reason for writing this article. The true reason is that I was emotionally moved when I saw this story.
A 17 year old rookie surfer by the name of Carissa Moore who had just won her second ASP tour. Her win included a trophy and a check for $15,000 dollars. Upon receiving her trophy, it was announced that her $15,000 earnings for the win would be going to a local organization called Waitara Bar Boardriders Club.
I personally don’t think I have ever seen or read of a teenager being so philanthropic. All the teenagers that I know are usually asking for money rather than giving it away. The full story can be read on the Carissa Moore story. (Carissa is pictured in the back row in the middle with the huge smile!)
Now here is something for you to ponder. I am not usually one who applies human characteristics to animals but I couldn’t resist indulging when I came upon this article while snorkeling the Internet, on the Los Angeles Times.
It was reported that Newport Beach resident Mike Kai found a sea lion pup, later named “Fiddler” on his roof top deck. The seal pup apparently was able to manage the stairs going up to to the the roof during the early morning sunrise hours. He probably would have been there till sunset had he not been heard thumping around up there. Maybe the seal was taking in the view of the real estate of Newport Beach wondering about the future if it were a rich pup. Perhaps the seal mistook the home as belonging to some famous film director as it did show off a bit while waiting for animal control to show up by wriggling along the deck rail located two stories above the ground. The pup was rescued and taken to the Pacific Marine Animal Center in Laguna Beach but no one know why it was so far from the home it loves. Whether it was finding Nemo or looking for Mr. Goodbar we may never know.
If you can get through the amateur videographer, take a look at seal lion pup below… awww, sooo cute!
I havent played video games since they were the size of the old PC monitors even though computers were just new. I am a little rusty but found this Oceanic Snorkeling Game to be fun! Enjoy!
I hate to admit it but I am a bit envious of the kids of today. They have so many great opportunities out there that are educational, yet fun. The Birch Aquarium in LaJolla, California has a summer Learning Camp for kids where they can learn how to snorkel. What’s best about the program is that it is through the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, California. To quote from their website “Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for ocean and earth science research, education, and public service in the world. Research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and earth.”
Looking for other kids water camp options? Kids Sea Camp offers fun destinations all over the world. Exotic destinations include Grand Cayman, Bonaire, Belize and even Fiji is often visited.
What did people my age do when they were little? Discovered fire, invented the wheel and hunted woolly mammoths. Though these were great achievements, it would have been more fun to just grab a snorkeling mask, a snorkel and fins and and head off to camp. I did try out a snorkeling mask that belonged to my older brother one time but because it was an adult mask all that I got was a mask full of water and a less than enjoyable experience. Stores back then apparently thought that adults were the only ones who would enjoy snorkeling, because snorkel equipment designed with children in mind was either hard to find or nonexistent. Today’s kids have a plethora styles, colors and designs of kids masks, fins and snorkel. I guess I should be happy about the educational opportunities available these days. It makes me wonder what new opportunities the future holds.
While this is a few years old, I found these two videos that are quite exciting… thought I would share!
This video was taken from a whale watching boat off the coast of San Diego. The captain said it was the largest pod of dolphins he had ever seen …
This video was shot in the Sea of Cortez between Isla La Guardia & Baja De Los Angeles. While fishing, this is what the men saw, a pod of several hundred dolphins.
The most recent contest asked kids to draw a picture and write a short essay telling National Geographic what ocean preservation and exploration means to them. Out of hundreds of designs and essays, the winner was Rachana, a 12 year old from Illinois.
World Explorers such as Robert Ballard were chosen as judges in the contest. The drawing will be made into a flag and will be hung on the National Geographic Ocean Research Ship this year. You can read Rachana’s essay on the National Geographic site. Congratulations to Rachana!
