Hanging Up the Sneakers to Hang 10
Unique Event Introduces St. Vincent’s Youngsters to the World of Surfing

   SAN DIEGO — More than 70 St. Vincent de Paul Village children will learn the fine art of surfing at this year’s "Day at the Beach," held by Windansea Surf Club on Saturday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at La Jolla Shores. The event, in its 14th year, will take place at the north end of the beach.

   For many St. Vincent’s children, the beach trip will not only introduce a new sport, but also the opportunity to enjoy a day of friends, family, food and fun. More importantly, the event teaches valuable lessons on trust and self-respect.

   "This is one of the biggest events on our summer camp schedule," says Children’s Services Program Manager Erin Milligan. "The kids look forward to it for weeks before it happens and talk about it for a month afterward. It really has a positive effect."

   Windansea Surf Club spokesman Scot Cherry says that each year he and the more than 100 event volunteers have witnessed the change that takes place from the time the children exit the bus at the beach to when they board it at day’s end.

   "The kids open up like flowers," he says. "By the last hour, every kid is surfing."
Cherry says the event is also an opportunity for the surfing community to shed stereotypes.

   The general population of surfers isn’t like Jeff Spicoli from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," he says. "We hope that our participation and the joy that we get out of this event will encourage other surf clubs to hold similar events."

   Cherry says he wants to thank sponsors such as Reef Brazil, Quiksilver, Hurley, Surfer magazine and North Park Trophy who donate items for a goody bag that each child receives. "They [sponsors] are the ones who truly make this event possible," he says.

   For information on Windansea Surf Club, please call (858) 551-9283. For more information on the event or Village programs, please call (619) 525-1608.

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