We’ve all felt the power of the ocean. Maybe you felt that power of the ocean when you were a kid playing in the shorebreak and not paying attention to an incoming wave. Or maybe you’re a surfer and you’ve been held under water for one, two or even three waves. When I think of power I don’t think of Wall Street or a government. I think of the water that covers two thirds of this planet. When I think of power I think of our oceans.
Japan’s tsunami should remind us, again, that the ocean is a formidable force.
For the Japanese people the most valuable thing we can offer is our thoughts and prayers.
Of course we can also go further and support relief local efforts. As Surfrider isn’t a disaster relief organization you should donate elsewhere. Here is a list of organizations that do focus on disaster relief and are connected to the Japan efforts.
Japan’s tsunami should remind us, especially those of us that live along the worlds coastlines, that we need to understand these forces better. We need to live with a larger sense of respect for the ocean and it’s inherent power. At Surfrider we see this tension every day, we see coastal cultures thinking they can define where the land ends and ocean starts. They do this by erecting seawalls, by building too close to the ocean and by underplaying the role the ocean has in the larger coastal equation.
Our hearts, prayers and support go out to the Japanese people.
Let’s also acknowledge the lesson we’ve been tragically delivered.
Comments
2 Comments so far. Leave a comment below.Thank you, Jim for your thoughtful post.
I actually was thinking of you & SR over the weekend & the paradox of the world of surfing – and all of the passion & appreciation for the oceans- and the tsunami tragedies, destruction & loss of life-
While SR does not do a direct disaster response- I thought it would be impactful to do a one day “stand-down” from surfing- in a sort of recognition of lives lost & in actual respect of the tremendous force of the ocean-
While I suspect the bigger waves resulting from the tsunami -
Are very attractive & challenging- it is my opinion that it would be a powerful statement by SR to intentionally recognize the enormity of the loss!
Blessings- Rebecca
The nature has its own rhythm and it destructs but also regenerates. Maybe we don’t want to admit this but our lives are a part of the nature and also go through cycles of destruction and regeneration. The disaster should teach us to be humble and accept the fact that our lives depend on the fate of this planet and our environment. We should commit deeper to the surfrider (or other environmental) causes and think really seriously about how to co-exist with the nature and prepare for the natural disaster. (If you are stupid enough to go out in the ocean in the middle of storms thinking you will catch a bigger wave – it’s your life – I won’t stop that person from going!)
This is probably the ultimate conclusion drawn out of this earthquake-tsunami experience but many Japanese people are not ready. People are hurting. The grieving process hasn’t begun for many families missing their loved ones. So for now, maybe no surfing in Japan. But I think if you are a surfer, you should really go out and surf. The experience should center you and reminds how small your existence is in the middle of the ocean below the sky above the water. Maybe this is the fine time for community leaders, activists, surfers to think deeper and plan ahead.