The Zen of Surfing: Kelemoana Barrow

We face numerous problems in todays world both in the physical and social environment. These problems are often amplified for some dedicated surfers as they play in the delicate matrix of ocean ecosystems and often tread on societies fringes in a quest for a better way living.

This can seem as a crisis for some surfers yet for some others it can be a path to peace and freedom if the problems are properly engaged. What are these challenges that we face as surfers? As line-ups get crowded some surfers choose the path af violence and intimidation causing a degredation in the quality of the surfing experience. This problem is confounded as our keiki, or younger ones (in the Hawaiian Language), choose to follow these distorted social paths which in turn lead to a sort of cyclic disturbance of harmony termed Samsara by the Zen folk of old. In a similar vien, are Ocean Playgrounds are being destroyed at an unprecedented rate by pollution and overfishing in a frenzy of greed driven resource grabbing by everyone and anyone. But there is another path that is less tread which could help to alleviate these problems. Please read on.......

My longtime friend, Robert Shtelick and I were reflecting on these issues when we came to the conclusion that we were going to do something about this in our own little way. We thought that maybe we could create a new path with the help of like minded people and guides that would occasion us along the way.

Robert and I are both interested in Zen philosophy and are also hardcore, even obsessive watermen. I myself am an odd mixture of a Zen family from Northern Japan and a Maori, Scottish Father from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and lucky enough to have formal Zen training in a Zendo as well as Academic training and a large Zen Library. Robert has the determination,honesty and imagination that Zen requires. We both cannot wait to begin this journy and have taken a few primary steps which will be the subject of our next blog. Please join us for the ride! We are bound to get a big barrel. I can see it forming up down the line.