Surfing Soapbox: A case of mistaken meaning

For an entire week after missing the swell of summer, I had to hear about how I missed it: the swell of the decade. I might remind people that the swell in April 2007 was bigger, but nonetheless, yes I did miss a great swell.

It always starts at home and with my folks giving me a good ribbing about missing yet another good swell. However, this time I heard about it from everyone — the mailman, the checkout lady at the store, little kids and even a lady in her mid- to late 70s or early 80s had a good laugh at me for missing that swell.

Yes, sometimes you can’t win for trying and that’s OK, things can always be worse, can’t they? Which brings us to the second debacle, “Missionary on a Surfboard” (Aug. 7). It seems to a lot of people think that headline has a dual meaning.

I’d first like to clarify a couple of things that I have been frequently asked about this title: No, the pun was not intended, and no, I have not experienced that on a surfboard, but I will certainly keep it in mind for the future and no, I did not choose the headline.

In fact, Sex Wax is the only kind of sex any of my surfboards have ever seen.

I can’t tell you how many people have said “Yeah, bro, missionary on a surfboard,” while throwing out the shaka sign at me, or the e-mails or questions I have received from female readers.

It’s pretty funny, to say the least. I mean what’s life without a little laugh at my own expense?

At least it doesn’t read “MTV star held in fight.”

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