Making a Difference in Huntington Beach
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
With summer just getting started, SurfWriter Girls want to give a big salute to some of the people who put the "Surf City" into Huntington Beach, making a positive difference in the city and the sport of surfing. They spend as much time giving back to the community as they do catching waves.
Rick Blake, a prolific surf artist and art teacher at Portola Middle School, makes art fun and exciting for students, showing them how to develop their skills and channel their creativity. Involved in community activities, art shows, and surf science events, his energetic - often retro - event posters get people on board.
KC Fockler, former co-chair of the Surfrider Foundation's North Orange County Chapter and current education chair, is a familiar sight at HB city council and chamber of commerce meetings, schools, beach cleanups and events, getting the word out about the importance of protecting our oceans, waves and beaches.
Tom Gibbons, founding president of the International Scholastic Surfing Association, has spent his life supporting surfing and mentoring young surfers. He documented the history of surfing and its influence on the world in a Surfing Timeline that shows surfing over the past 100 years. Check out his story in Surf'n Beach Scene Magazine.
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Melissa Murphy (AKA "Melissa Murals") is helping to beautify the city and build its brand with her larger-than-life beach themed murals painted on buildings throughout Huntington Beach. An avid surfer and former lifeguard, Melissa is involved in the life of the city, participating on committees and at beach events, and using her paint brushes to add to the city's beach vibe.
Jericho Poppler, the first World Pro women's surf champion (1976), has been a driving force in the development of Surf City's culture, working with surfing and civic organizations to better the sport and build.community engagement. She's included in HB's Surfing Walk of Fame and is a founding member of the Surfrider Foundation.
Mark Reeder, one of the first team riders for Huntington Surf & Sport, has been coaching HSS surf teams and helping to manage its Surf Room for 30 years, guiding young surfers in their careers and helping surfers of all levels pick out the best boards and gear. Always ready to talk about wave conditions and surf spots, Mark is a welcoming presence on Main Street.
Jeff Whiting, Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum docent, is helping the surf museum transition into its new home at the HB library. Descended from pioneers who settled California in the 1800s, he cares deeply about preserving Orange County's history and surf culture and is working to connect locals and tourists alike to its art, music, and stories.
SurfWriter Girls bet that you can think of people who are making a difference, too. Not just in Surf City, but wherever there are surfing spots. So, join us in giving them a big Mahalo. And be sure to flash the shaka sign!
Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.
