SURFING SOAPBOX: A surfer on Capitol Hill

One of the first things you’ll notice in Washington D.C. this time of the year is the sheer cold, the rush of sirens and the empty cherry trees. Arriving late at night with a full array of lights topping the tallest of buildings, or the way a shining star sits atop a Christmas tree, suddenly an amazing moment becomes even more amazing, when out of the right side of the window, we could see the White House.

We meaning me and my girlfriend, who has accompanied me on this portion of the trip — stop No. 2 on the Surfing Soapbox world tour. After a week in Lima, Peru, I had arrived in D.C. as an invited guest for Great Lakes Day 2009, having surfed the Great Lakes and having two close friends who grew up surfing them. The Great Lakes, with all of their beauty and might, remain very close to me. My fondest memory of last summer came while stand-up paddling on Torch Lake and its color of blue water was more stunning than that of Tahiti.

One night, we attended a reception at the Canadian Embassy after talking our way in with the help of filmmaker Vince Deur. It seems for some reason we were left off the list. Luckily, the next day I was once again back on the list and headed to Capitol Hill to meet with Michigan Rep. Peter Hoekstra, in an effort to or, better said, a plea for more funding in preserving the Great Lakes and ending sewer overflow problems that continue to threaten them — which sounds similar to the hazards that threaten our oceans.

I was asked to speak and share my own experiences in the effects of water pollution. Having twice contracted staff infections because of it, I can only hope that our voices were heard.

I was proud of the group of people with whom I shared this experience, all of whom spoke clearly, staying on topic and with a touch of passion in which they spoke from the heart. I challenge all those who share the same passion for our oceans to do the same.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com