Surfing Soapbox: Globe-hopping for some surf culture

Last week was brutal, in traveling terms. Flying home after spending the week in Sayulita, Mexico, I stopped in Phoenix to go through customs and then go on to John Wayne Airport, getting in about 10:30 p.m.

After a week of sunny and warm weather, I was blown away when I arrived late that night into cold, rainy weather. Home for seven hours, I had enough time to sleep for six hours, pack a different duffel bag with some warmer clothes and catch my flight for New York at 8:10 a.m.

Exhausted, I jumped in my car, driving in the early, freezing cold and drizzly morning. I lapped the airport parking lot looking for a spot. Finally, growing frustrated and realizing I was running out of time, it was valet for me. Luckily, I was traveling without boards, which doesn’t happen often.

Landing later that night, it was again raining and cold. But once in the cab I was just stoked to be there. Taking in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple and the city lights will wake anyone up, and it certainly woke me up.

The next morning, I awoke to blue skies and nice sunny weather again. It was a pleasant surprise as I always have lived for the sunlight.

Later that night, O’Neill launched its new eco-line of clothing, which looks great, to say the least.

The night was highlighted musically by reggae artist Mishka who played an hour set for the packed house of surf-stoked fans. It’s pretty awesome seeing that the surfing lifestyle is alive and well in places as far away as the Big Apple.

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.