Event with a message

Skateboarders flying through the air, BMX and motocross demonstrations, a 25-foot giant outdoor screen premiering the surf film, “Walking on Water” and live bands are all part of the “Movement” event descending on Costa Mesa this weekend.

It’s an action-packed, fun-filled festival designed to get a new generation of Orange County youth fired up and motivated to become involved in the community and the world at-large.

Sponsored in part by Walking on Water, a surfing ministry based in San Diego, “Movement” will feature guest speakers, musicians, artists and athletes who are all using their gifts and talents to affect their world and make a difference.

Mike Doyle, director of outreach for Walking on Water, encourages kids to come out and have fun while learning about what’s going on in the world around them.

He said the goal of the event is to meet kids halfway, respect and honor people, and while they will be presenting a message, to give kids a chance to respond in their own way.

Doyle said there’s no doubt that kids will react in a big way to an event that’s “relevant, cutting-edge and fun — teens will leave amped to create a voice for their generation.”

On a 36-foot stage set up in an area adjacent to Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, Movement will feature performances by songwriter and worship leader Phil Wickham, lead singer, guitarist and Grammy-nominated musician Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and Christian hip-hop group L.A. Symphony.

A skateboard park, BMX and motocross ramps will feature trick moves by pro skater Chad Tim Tim and skate legend Christian Hosoi.

Amateur skateboarders can compete in the Best Skateboard Trick Contest, hoping to walk away with the $500 grand prize.

The movie “Walking on Water,” is an inspirational account of Luke and Tyler, two young surfers who travel to places including Hawaii, Peru and Australia, surf incredible waves and “experience life while witnessing the ups and downs throughout the world.”

Other surfers appearing in the film include surfing twin brothers C.J. and Damien Hobgood and “soul surfer” Bethany Hamilton, the teenage girl who lost her left arm during a tiger shark attack in Kauai in 2003.

“Walking on Water” producer Bryan Jennings credits Hamilton for choosing triumph over tragedy. Instead of becoming bitter, she continued to follow her dream and surf.

“[Bethany’s] such a living testimony to hope — even in the midst of dark times,” Jennings said.

The need for hope and social activism on the part of the younger generation is another element to which the Movement event this weekend is hoping to expose the younger generation.

Representatives from groups including Invisible Children, a group helping children in Uganda, and To Write Love On Her Arms, a group helping kids and teens suffering from depression, will share experiences and messages about the outreach programs their organizations provide.

“There is so much need in our country and across the globe. We think it’s time for a new movement to rise up and meet the challenges of our times,” Doyle said. “The vision for Movement is to be a catalyst to help see that happen.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Movement”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday; 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Friday: Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, 3800 S. Fairview St., Santa Ana

Saturday: 3232 W. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana

COST: Free

INFO: Call Walking on Water at (858) 509-7977 or go to www.movementoc.com

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at [email protected].