Montauk Pioneer - February 13, 2009

Aloha! It has been nearly six months since waves of the Rip Roaring Summer of 2008 hit the shores of Montauk. There were many who were taken by storm, while amplifying the experience through quality surf transformed into heaping servings of cheer. It was a near perfect east end summer.

The 2009 surf culture brings promising recreational events, including characters from surfing's main stream. Some of the sports most legendary figures seek a close and upfront look at the year ahead.

Would be worldwide travelers home based in the Tri-state region are poised and eager to transform into economically sensitive home bodies, saving a few bucks for the less expensive thrill of a local vacation, forgoing Pacifica, and settling for a practical solution and opportunity to reach out in support of local entrepreneurs while padding their personal nest eggs.

As the economical backwash surges into the American household, one fact remains certain; the popularity of surfing continues to thrust full speed ahead and so is the Obama freight train. Forging ahead, laying new tracks through main street America, and, as Jack Johnson put it "fueled by the Spirit of Aloha" Obama is a fresh reminder of the water.

President Barack Obama honed skills at the famed Sandy Beach while growing up on the island of Oahu throughout the 1970s, where he developed a lasting relationship with sea body surfing at Hawaii's premier location. Surfing is so important to so many. "To have surfing in the forefront; to be able to use that and connect people is probably the greatest gift I've ever had in my life," says Hawaiian surfing legend, Dane Kealoha.

"I walk out of the water after spending two hours with a family in the ocean and I see them hugging each other, with mom and dad kissing each other and walking away as a family with smiles on their face. I actually walk away almost with tears in my eyes and with them saying, my family and I will enjoy this sport for the rest of their lives; whoa!"

Surfer's throughout the globe have a unique set-of-skills and an opportunity to bring joy to their communities during a time when it matter's the most.

There's a strong resurgence amongst our youth too, taking competitive surfing to yet another level with the presence of three Hawaiian teens leading the way; Coco Ho, Malia Manuel and 2008 event winner Carissa Moore, 16, who defeated seven-time world champion Layne Beachley at the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, Oahu.

The young ladies continue to impress spectators and veterans such as Beachley whom is impressed with Moore's tail-slide and aerial maneuvers, as the teen experiments by mixing it up and while looking to those in the men's rank's for increased inspiration.

Layne Beachley, in a recent interview, states that she's never landed an aerial in her life and feels as if she's retiring at the right time.

The highlight of Montauk Surfing is found in its youth and its success is linked to the continued support and determination of a community and visitors while promoting Aloha.

Quote of the week: "To have surfing in the forefront; to be able to use that and connect people is probably the greatest gift I've ever had in my life,

-Hawaiian Surfing Legend, Dane Kealoha www.hyattsurfacademy.com