SURF Learn to Surf participants (top, Donna Fipps in the center near the wood board) and the two Bretts (below), Mattei (left) and Morey (right) carry in their boards after a good morning of surfing
The SURF board gains new signatures at each SURF event (left) and the joy of a successful ride (right)
Dr. Phil Bresnahan of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography tells about Smartfin technology
There’s a new Rotary Fellowship forming: Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship (SURF), founded by Brett Morey of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club. The mission of the fellowship is to “Combine the Aloha spirit of surfing with Rotarians from around the globe who share a love for the ocean and make a difference in the world”. More than 95 Rotarians and Rotaractors are listed as potential members since Brett founded the fellowship in May 2017. The fellowship is awaiting approval from Rotary International, and increasing the roster of interested members will be very helpful in gaining official recognition.
On Saturday July 14, 2017, SURF hosted the Rotaract Learn to Surf event, held at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Over 30 new and experienced surfers were onhand to enjoy the morning waves. Rotary Club of Del Mar members joined in, with Donna Fipps watching over the gear during the lessons, and President Klaus Gubernator stopping by. Vice President Brett Mattei, who’s a very experienced surfer, took a few turns that morning. Rotaractors from the San Diego, City Heights, Pacific Beach and Tijuana New Generations Rotaract clubs were all in attendance.
In addition, Drs. Phil Bresnahan and Tyler Cyronak of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography informed the group about Smartfin, a surfboard fin equipped with sensors that gather data on various ocean parameters such as salinity, pH, temperature, oxygen, and wave dynamics. Smartfins allow surfers to become citizen scientists to provide important real-time data to the worldwide scientific community to further ocean research.
The next events for SURF are on August 3, when they will participate in the 5th annual Rotary MusiCamp Learn to Surf event to introduce international symphony exchange students to surfing, and Life Rolls On, September 10, when SURF members will team with occupational and physical therapists to help differently-abled individuals experience the joy of surfing. SURF welcomes all surfing Rotarians-visit their Facebook page or email Brett Morey to learn more.