Waiting for the wave by Rhads

no thank you to shamu “the whale” day * we’ll make great pets * surfrider

The first time I saw them was on an Anacortes ferry bound for Victoria. They were like three unimpeded black submarines, and in pursuit of some seemingly rather helpless/hapless porpoise. ‘Twas pretty darn impressive, and that despite that the odds were certainly not in favor of the Dall jumpers. My only other close encounter was when as a tour guide I stayed behind with the van and sent my group ahead on the ferry to Campbell River, and whereupon they were treated to a superpod sighting of 150 orca enroute.

Mirrors of the Great Mind by Jean Luc Bozzoli (1985)

The orca is to be found in all the oceans of the world, and can swim up to 100 miles in a day.

Cetacean's portals by Jean Luc Bozzoli

And therein lies the rub. When you put Shamu or one of his other like sentient creatures in what basically amounts to a concrete tank, not much bigger than a bathtub, ‘tis a recipe for pathological behavior and in most all cases, premature death. They are stressed, anxious and oft aggressive and in turn put on meds, and not of their choosing. They become desperately unhappy, bored and mentally debilitated. They suffer from zoochosis and in some cases, self mutilation. Our commercial experiments have forced a rather sociable mammal into some very cramped and artificial social groupings. Captivity shows and cetacean trafficking is a billion dollar industry, and unfortunately often operating tax free.

the Grounding by Jean Luc Bozzoli

Trix are for kids, but unfortunately for cetaceans that want to eat, they will (still) jump for food.

Beluga trans-worlds by Jean Luc Bozzoli

Taking animals from the wild is not socially acceptable, and as ‘twas not ‘til the death of two belugas (Qila and Aurora), in one week, that the tide began to shift. The beluga can deep dive past 2k feet, so you can imagine the “bathtub effect” on one of our most endearing planetary counterparts. Visitor numbers subsequently declined at the Vancouver Aquarium (Uncovered), and so like Sea World (Blackfish) to follow, the marine park reluctantly agreed to stop breeding and to phase out shows.

Wayne Lynch with Western Australian friend in Storm Riders (Hoole/McCoy)

Seattle, Maui and Monterey Aquariums all offer programs without cetaceans, and whilst keeping animals in captivity has lost public support, there are still seals, sea lions and walrus not so fortunate.

Spirit Journey, Coming Home by Jody Bergsma

There is a bigger picture and medicine/lesson to be had by the all of us here. Like the golden rule, love thy neighbor, and to make the world a better place than when you found it, when we have compassion as our compass, the path/decision is clear. As Perry Farrell quipped, “we’ll make great pets,” i.e. when the shoe is on the other foot, am not sure any of us would like to be held in a concrete slab room with view sized windows, and minus the ever so elegant double wide French doors.

Stardust by Jean Luc Bozzoli

Many if not the most all of us went to Sea World as kids, and didn’t know any better. The question is as adults, do we know well enough to close down all aquariums and marine parks now, and to shut down the zoos too ?? Increased tank size is still a tank. Manmade, if not unnamed/unknown toxins and acoustic pollution is as bad or worse in captivity than at sea.  We can perhaps vote with our dollars, as obviously and unfortunately ‘tis not ‘til the other shoe drops, and that attendance declines is there a precedent for any precursor to change.

the Space Whale by Matthew Schultz & the Pier Group * Burning Man 2016

* Shamu is actually part of the oceanic dolphin family and not a (killer) whale

surfrider * legend of waves * surfer tarot

Our legends of surf lore all spawn from their time upon the Pacific Ocean shores of the Hawaiian Islands.  Whether it was seminal big wave surfers such as Eddie Aikau and Greg Noll, or virtual surf apostles like Gerry Lopez and Wayne Lynch, the surfrider helps define what it is to be a surfer.  Our longstanding love for the ocean carries over into life.  Brian “Buffalo” Keaulana and Rell Sunn, the Queen of Makaha, were surfers first as ambassadors and sharegivers. Together, with Duke Kahanamoku and other early Hawaiian surfriders, who share a lineage with origins in Oceania, they began to perpetuate the myth that surfing is the “sport of kings,” for “those who can virtually walk on water.”  The purist surfs, or even just swims naked.  Tom Blake was such a surfrider who was happy to just ride.  The surfrider responds to our Mother Ocean’s wave cadence.  Vintage surfers such as Tom and Pat Curren are father and son, and seem to be emotionally connected to the waves, as “high surf brings a zestfulness that is peculiarly somatic.”  And as “great waves and great spirits come together in majestic ride,” the surfrider “pantheon” of waves gone by, is our ode to “yestermorrow,” and the surf museum of today.

Surf the Line (diptyque) by Remi Bertoche

Enshrined in our hearts, the surfrider has “lived life like a movie.” It’s a true story and we “couldn’t have scripted it any better.” As proverbial legend, her life has taken on mythical proportions. Her Pacific Islander heritage unfolds like sacred sea scroll. Yet despite her mystical aura, she “acts like it’s no big thing” and is eternally stoked. She is muse among men and lover of life. As trusted counsel she offers a calming presence, as she is sensible and stouthearted, and of substance. Her quiet is instructive as she knows humility. Gracious and elegant she is heartfelt and nonchalant. Her “paragon of character” lends her a certain standing, as her “stature and presence inoculates against the vagaries of whim and fashion.” Her tolerance facilitates the restoration of our heart connection. She is fulfilled and nourished as she cherishes reunion and lasting relationship. Her physical attraction is one of a benevolent soul, and yet she is of supple body, dexterous, adroit and lithe. She is the supreme pleasure principle, enthused and with courage enough to share of her concupiscent nature without shame.

Still, the surfrider is not without his disappointments. Resigned to living later in life as outmoded ode and relic, we are withdrawn and stoic. Our controlled emotions give way to a broken heart, as we long to again “taste the salt of experience.” The lyrical is left unsung, as we are without rhyme nor reason.

illustration by Alexandre Flores Torrano

Defy reason. Help heal our broken hearts. “Surfing is a feeling that never leaves you.” Don’t hold yourself up to an unreasonable standard. Be amoral. You can’t compare or measure up. Whether athlete or artist, “the authority of individual experience is in the heartfelt.” Be a surfrider. Be in the flow. Surfing is “at-one-ment.” Be soulful. Sitting on the seat of the soul, upon the ocean’s surface, we are at emotional equilibrium, and at “mind’s eye.” Water soothes the soul. Be with it. Paddle outside. Position yourself. Be selective. Recognize conditions. Sense what’s coming. Are you prepared? Balance is in your body. Do yoga. Use it in everyday life. Come clean and stay on board. Be real. Dreams do come true. Just let the spinning wave peel. Negative ions calm the nerves. Get in the “Zen zone.” Retain control while in the flow. Dig your rail, throw some spray, and slide your tail. Return to balance. Know the opportunities and risks, then let it loose and fly high. Surf different waves. Get your groove on. Your epitaph will read, “ripped in peace.” Leave a legacy. “The goodness we were born with is what we have to leave behind,” and as “the true king wears no crown.” Make the surfing world a better place. Give back to the ocean and enjoy peace of mind. Be a “liferider.”