I have a client(62 years old) who ended up with her drug addict daughter’s twin 10 year old boys. As she knows of my surfing passion, she told me a story of taking them to the beach where they were playing with their boogie boards and having a ball. Some lady offered to show them how to ride a sufboard. Well they loved it and have not stopped talking about it since.
I told her about the Swaylock Community and told her I would put out a message to see if we could get a couple of boards for the boys. I guess they should be waterproof and somewhere between Santa Barbara and San Diego and I will pick up. If your kids have outgrown their wetsuits…I could get them in the water this winter!
For my part, I will promise to take them surfing at least 10 times in the next year. I will also post pictures and keep the community informed on how it is going. Perhaps if their mom had gone surfing when she was 10, she would have an addiction that would serve her better today.
Hey Roger - I have a red & white 6’2" thruster that I made (& rode for the first time at SA 2004, so it has the Swaylock’s vibe!). Pretty much brand new with gorilla grip & all. Sounds like these kids could use a break, so let me know if you want it.
I may have a spare wetsuit too, but need to know their size(s).
Roger: I’m on the other coast so I can’t help you with a board but if you PM me with your address I’d love to send you a check to help pick up some cool surf gear for them for Christmas.
may these kids new start in life touch their mother’s heart and help her get her life back on track.
I LOVE seeing stuff like this happen…the internet being used for good, and people’s lives helped !
Scarborough , where I live has a BIG drug problem [where doesn’t, nowadays ?] and to see just even ONE person get off the self-destructive path and get healthy, well…I’m STOKED !!
If her kids can have a second chance at life, that would be great…let’s hope their mum catches their stoke too!
It’s just a pity I’m so far away, I have little boards sitting here which would be GREAT for a couple of 10yo’s…
my thoughts are with those kids, even if my boards aren’t.
that's the spirit, guys !
ben
DEFINATELY keep us posted on how they’re going, and their love for surfing growing…thanks !
Between the generous offers of Keith Melville and a behind the seens offer of Swaylocks creator, Mike Paler, we have two good boards for the boys. I called grandma to find out what size they are and tell her about all of this and she was on the verge of tears. Just could not believe it, but ever so thankful. The boys( Chad and Cody) are 9 and wear a size 14.(big for age per grandma) It would be great if we could outfit them for the Calif. winter water. Most here wear a 3-2 or 4-3 full suit during the winter months and a spring suit the rest of the year.