SURFING SOAPBOX:Waves need saving

Greetings Laguna, from Wellington, New Zealand!

This was one of the most surreal days of my life, not because of catching the perfect wave or because I met the cutest girl at the beach.

Today I was invited to meet and speak at Parliament, which is the equivalent of our congress, and I must admit that I was nervous walking up its stairs.

My hands had little beads of sweat and I could feel the rush of blood pulsating through my veins while my heartbeat echoed throughout my body like a madman pounding a drum.

I had been invited to meet with honorable Member of Parliament Tariana Turia to discuss the proposed marina project that threatens the world-class wave Whangamata that is located on the north island of New Zealand.

It was surreal for a number of reasons beginning with the fact that I was invited to Parliament — a person who would once have been labeled a beach bum. It gives me great pleasure not only to dispel such a label but also watch as others do the same.

Sitting there in Mrs. Turia’s office after going through several metal detectors and having a personal escort me to her office, one might think she was a little too busy to take the time to meet with a surfer from Laguna Beach.

However, she couldn’t have been more pleasant and receptive in meeting with me.

Turia smiled and laughed and talked about the importance of saving this world-class wave for future generations of surfers to enjoy.

Turia asked why saving such a wave meant so much to me. I said that every little boy or girl who stands up on his or her surfboard for the first time is afforded the chance to live the same surfing dream that became a reality for me.

And if it isn’t saved it will only remain a dream.

Peace.