Most of my formative years were spent in the midwest. But I didn't fall in love (with the ocean/waves/beaches) there. That happened during our summer trips east... to Westerly, Rhode Island and on Mass's Cape and the Vineyard.

In fact most of my childhood days were spent atop a skateboard... not a surfboard. This is because I didn't know about this guide.

(I know, the guide wasn't around then...)

Massive kudos to the crew in the midwest that have found that simple, sea of joy right in front of them. Even more kudos for connecting midwest groms to the stoke we all have for... water.

When in doubt, paddle out.

More.

Jim Moriarty
CEO, Surfrider Foundation