North Shore surf meet
raises funds for victims

In the wake of the devastation caused by the southern Asia earthquake and tsunami a month ago, a strong wave of support for the victims was demonstrated yesterday on Oahu's North Shore.

Professional and recreational surfers, individuals and companies representing the surfing industry and other elements of a concerned community gathered at Sunset Beach for the Wave Riding Vehicles Surf for Sumatra, a benefit event from which all entry fees and donations went directly to Surf Aid International.

A nonprofit organization that has worked for the last four years to establish community-based health programs in the region often visited by surfers from around the world, Surf Aid International is currently focused on providing medical support to the victims of the disaster. Yesterday's event raised approximately $3,000.

"I was actually going to have a regular (competitive) longboard event," event organizer Reid Inouye said. "But when this happened, we thought, 'What's our priority: to have another contest or do something that will benefit surfers and people from another region of the world?' So, priorities first, we went after supporting the Tsunami Relief Fund through Surf Aid International, and we're really stoked we did this."

"Sumatra got really cleaned out, Nias (too) -- all of the surf camps at sea level," Inouye added. "Hopefully, this will help them recover faster."

Pros included World Championship Tour veteran Kalani Robb, Gavin Beschen, Dustin Cuizon and Dave Wassel. Surf legend Jeff Johnson -- father of music and surf star Jack Johnson -- participated, as did Hawaii Modular Space CEO Mike Fox and a team of military surfers, among others.

A total of 80 surfers were divided into groups of eight for 10 45-minute "expression session" heats in the 4- to 8-foot-face waves.

An outstanding surfer was selected from each heat, but the event was hardly about competition and wholly about generating much-needed aid for an area that is treasured by surfers everywhere for its regularly perfect waves.

"We want to help the tsunami victims and have some fun at the same time, bring some recognition to the cause," Fox said. "There's certainly a bond there -- a lot of guys who know people there, who have been there, traveled there and want to help out. Also, I think if you're in that world of surfing, or water sports, or whatever sports it is, you just sort of naturally feel a bond and feel compelled to help out."

Even for those surfers who have not yet visited the region, the concern and desire to do something helpful was plainly evident.

Eric Fisher has not visited Indonesia, but he surfed yesterday and was named the outstanding surfer of his heat. Originally from Florida, he has been living on the North Shore for the last six years, part of a group that chases the biggest waves it can find in Hawaii.

"I'm just kind of seeing the whole picture, and it's a heavy situation," Fisher said. "I have some friends I go to church with, and they're going down there to help. There are thousands of people who really, really need help. ... It's a good thing that everybody is getting together to help these people out. As far as I'm concerned, we got a pretty good life here, surfing every day ... anything you can do to help someone who has less than you is something I think God would want you to do."

To make donations, visit www.surfaidinternational.org.