Ocean Institute Celebrates International Surfing Day 2009 on June 20, Welcomes Environmental Educators on 2,000-mile Vancouver to Mexico Bike Ride on June 21
DANA POINT, Calif. – The Ocean Institute will join in the worldwide observance of International Surfing Day on Saturday, June 20, and welcome two environmental educators on a 2,000-mile Vancouver to Mexico bike ride on Sunday, June 21. The Institute will be open to the general public 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on both days.
On International Surfing Day on Saturday, the Institute will feature exhibits and presentations by staff and volunteers on wave and surf science labs, how to catch the perfect wave, and explorations of the science behind some of the best surf spots around the world. Learn also the history of the surfboard and discover the history and tradition of surfing and how it expanded from the islands of Hawaii to become a popular sport worldwide.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in the nearby beach clean-up sponsored by Ocean Minded, 9:30 a.m. – noon. Ocean Minded will set up a booth and giveaway free t-shirts and sandals to participants. OC Coastkeeper will also have a booth. Those who participate in the beach clean-up can enter the Ocean Institute free of charge on Saturday afternoon.
Established by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day was created to blend the founders’ love of surfing with a desire to create an awareness of the importance of preserving our ocean environment. Other sponsors include Monster Beverages, Earthpack and Signshop.
Those who purchase a ticket to the Institute on Saturday may return on Sunday free of charge.
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The Ocean Institute in Dana Point will welcome environmental educators Marcus Erikson and Anna Cummings from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation on Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The pair will be on the second half of their 2009 JUNKride, a 2,000-mile bike ride from Vancouver to Mexico to raise awareness about the harm disposable plastic causes in the North Pacific Gyre, an oceanic current twice the size of the United States.
Highlights of the day will be a 15-minute slide show presentation every hour, a bicycle smoothie machine, albatross sorting station, fish dissection and recycled arts & crafts. At 5:30 p.m. that evening, there will be a 45-minute presentation for the general public. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.
RSVP to oi@ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274, ext. 365.
For additional information on 2009 JUNKride, visit http://www.junkraft.com/homeJunkRide.html.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 3-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone number: (949) 496-2274.
2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
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Submitted By Jim Graves
