What are WE going to do?

General Discussion
1

At this point I am more depressed than I have ever been in my whole life. And i have had to suffer from actual clinical depression much of the time since early adolescence. I am referring to the oil spill. I naively and wrongly assumed most of my 27 years that I could just use and use and everyone else had to adapt and be green and change, blah blah blah. Never thought it would hit quite so directly in my heart. Fast forward from growing up in New Smyrna Beach, FL. to present. Living in Washington State (equally amazing place) about 45 minutes by car to the closest surf spot (which up here isn’t that far, I am literally beach front but there are islands in the way of the swells). My life has changed as of today. After a brutal semester of not really surfing (twice in 3 months) due to time constraints and financial problems (art student) I was planning on hitting the coast with the truck for a week or two before summer quarter starts in order to get some much needed surf time. Even talked to one of my buddies out on the peninsula yesterday. Stoked. But I have just had a complete change of heart

: point being : I can not drive to surf any more, ever. I may be shooting myself in the foot for a long long time on this one and I am sure that there are people who may say whatever to this post but I am going to make this a commitment until I can find a better personal solution. This is a topic I am bringing up in hopes of sparking some kind of conversation with other surfers about what we can do, actually do, besides say we belong to surfrider. I am curious about how much surf time you would give up to not participate in this greedy, horrible practice. Gas. Money. Rich people that don’t surf or care about the spiritual side of life. 

 

I just want to be able to not be ashamed of myself if i ever have a little kid and want to teach them how to pull into thick tubes with a pair of swimfins on. I want to be able to stand behind what exactly the sea means to me. 

 

WHAT about you? Could you give up your board for a year? Forever? Your car? Would you be willing to spend exponentially less time in the sea just to walk to it from vast distances once in awhile? I know now that these things while seemingly sacrifices now would grow to become a wellspring of proudness and respect. 

 

Thank god for airmats and road bikes.

 

Feel free to flame me or just vent. In case you didnt know the tarballs started washing up on Floridas west coast today. 

 

This is real. 

2

Hey Naturalchapl,

  You should read a book called Planet Walker by John Francis, if you haven’t already. Written by a guy who stopped driving for basically 22 years because of the San Francisco Bay oil spill in 1971. He also stopped talking for 17 of those years so he could have his reasons stated and not have to argue about it. Durring this time he walked across America, got a Ph.D, then walked across Cuba and Brazil. Very inspiring.

3

I remember when Sarah Palin had her little chant going- Drill Baby Drill!  She was saying it was environmentally safe and low impact.  She’s been kind of quiet lately.

 

I was also thinking it was bound to happen sooner or later.  Then I had a REALLY SCARY THOUGHT- they keep telling us nuclear power is safe.  Imagine a melt down and then a similar inability to deal with the problem… you can’t wash radioactivity off birds (or humans) or lay booms to prevent it from washing ashore.

 

Good for you. Spread the word. I think everybody needs to do their part.  I try.  I ride my bike to work twice a week (30 minutes each way).  I’m lucky. I live one mile to the beach (two or three to decent  sand bars).  I’m going to buy a surf rack for the bike for summer. Our energy bill is generally about $30 a month so we’re pretty parsimonious.  

But I see so much ignorance and just plain apathy.  Giant Escalades and Denali’s cruising around with one passenger. People hosing down their driveways with water,or sprinkler systems watering the road. Or the kids at my school for whom lunch is two bags of cheese puffs and a bottle of blue Gatorade.

 

Write to your elected representatives.  I had a professor who clerked for a Senator.  He encouraged us to write because he said they do take into serious consideration the letters received.  He said they figure for every person that writes there are probably 20,000 who feel the same but are too lazy to write.  I’m not sure about emails.  I mostly send emails because I too am lazy.  But I get in grooves.  I don’t know how many I wrote urging my reps not to authorize the war in Iraq.  Now I’m in another groove urging reps to get behind clean, alternative energy research. Pissing into the wind?  I don’t know.  Do what you can.

 

4

Good on you naturalchapl. I moved from wave rich california to new orleans this year and know what its like to give up surfing. My only water time now is bumming rides on sailboats to learn how to handle a boat, and I do that by biking an hour and a half round trip! 

 

About the “oil spill cleanup” i think its a crying joke. If you get not too far out of new orleans you can find containment booms lying on land rather than in the water; available volunteers aren’t being called to action (i’m on four different lists and have been for nearly four weeks and have received 0 requests for help); fisherman hired by bp sign nondislosure so they can’t tell the world that they aren’t even given respirators while they clean up the toxic sludge…its all one big mess.

 

Maybe everyone of us on swaylock’s who shapes and has a respirator lying around should mail it to Grand Isle and Fourchon for the fisherman to put to more admirable use (no offense everyone).

 

All i know is if everyone rode a bike we’d have a more fit population, a lot less obesity, cleaner cities, friendlier people, and a much smaller dependence on those greedy bastards in the oil and coal industries. We give them the power when we buy the F150 instead of the 12 speed bike! 

 

5

all i can think to do is demonstrate on campus next week, 

will post pictures here i guess, wish i had some better ideas.

 

thanks for the response, nice to hear you guys talk about it.

 

bummin but thinkin…

 

thanks for the idea about writing the officials, that is a great idea, gotta figure out who to write.

 

i thought obama was a hardcore bodysurfer? what is the freaking deal?

 

6

This is the biggest accident since chernobyl, maybe even worse (I’m not going to argue about wich is worse because that makes no sence). It’s horrible

Why do people always point to others? You are the first one I hear pointing at himself. It’s not your fault, it’s not BP’s fault (ok BP is the most to blame but it’s not entirely their fault), it’s not Obama’s fault, it is every energy consuming human being his fault.

I am studying energy engineering here at a belgian university and my conclusions are that there is still nothing wrong with consuming energy, but there is something wrong with spilling it. We have to do what we can to avoid using more than we actually need. We don’t have to stop consuming oil, because there will be other accidents in the future with other resources.

It’s a bit ironic that it hits the biggest energy spilling economy. People believing in God … (haven’t heard their conclusions yet)

Sadly it is again the south coast, it is terrible

I’m not trying to insult someone, I’m not pointing to anybody. I’m just trying to explain what I feel.

When I saw it on tv I was really shocked and I hope the leak is finally closed and that the beaches will be cleaned in the near future. I also wish these fisherman the best, they are doing what they can and I hope they won’t be physically harmed by the oil.

 

I don’t think you shouldn’t drive to your surfspot anymore. Really, go surfing from time to time and minimise the energy consumption where it is possible. Use your bike when possible, turn of your lights when not in the room, plug out your tv when in standby, try to do all electricity consuming work by night (washing maschine,…), buy a european or japanese car (no need for hybrids),…

 

I sincerely hope that energy will become expensive soon, really it is way to cheap!

7

wow, 45 minutes to your nearest surf spot, you’re blessed beyond belief! if i had your choices, i might get me a horse, rig up a board cart and go surf anytime i want.

thing is, i’m 7 hours by bus to my favorite spot and rigging up a board cart on a water buffalo might not go well with manila’s highway patrol hehe peace! " )

cheers,

8

We may look back on this and see that this calamity was the initiation of meaningful change.  That can be the only silver lining to this.  It’s time to have a REAL energy policy which moves us ahead with alternatives.  If not this will only happen again … and again … and again.

9

If the well were in 200 feet of water, it would have been fixed in a few days.  You could argue that pushing them out to 5300 feet was not a good idea.  You could also argue that allowing drilling in ANWR would have been a lot smarter.

10

[img_assist|nid=1051467|title=Gulf Oil Platforms Map - 4000|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=379]

Yes - so many opportunities out there to see this happen again and again . . .

11

I'm going to be 53 this year and have tried to be "green" since I was a teenager. I made a decision at about 17 that I'd always live by the ocean, no matter what it took.

 I'm ever thankful my beautiful wife and I had the good fortune and talent, to remain self employed and work at home for over 20 years.

We also had the foresight and wherewithal about 15 years ago, to buy a little beach cottage we can work from, in one of the best surf towns on earth. 

On my bike I can be at the water's edge in under 5 minutes. 

It brings me to tears to see what we have done to the planet but we must all do our best to reverse the abuse of Mother Earth. 

Wood Surfboards are Good Surfboards.

BTW,  Paul Gross has a new mat design out and it's on sale until the end of August.

http://fourthgearflyer.com/surfmats.html 

Mats Rock.  

 

 

12

hey mike, i never thought i’d come upon a map and cringe just by looking at it…

13

I’m now living in Arizona near Tucson so pretty far from surf.  Last go out was when I had to go to SanDeigo to a big symposium to get ceu’s for renewing my acupuncture license.  I just brought my mat, rented a wet suit and got in a couple good surfs and done.  It is a very strange state of mind but I really feel like a person who surfs but not “a surfer” anymore.  Hard to describe but I imagine a bit like that European model of alcoholism treatment that is very NOT AA. People do learn to drink on occassion and not fall into the addictive pattern. (Not a poke at anyone.  Just that I was definitely addicted to  “being a surfer” and as such, had to “get my fix”.  Now I have other interests that take up my time and energy.)  Anyhoo, the article linked is right in line with what you are saying Natural Chap.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/06/04/notes060410.DTL

 

Behold our dark, magnificent horror

By Mark Morford, SF Gate Columnist

Friday, June 4, 2010

 

Here is short excerpt:

 

"I think the most disturbingly satisfying thrill of this entire event -- and it is, in a way, a perverse thrill -- comes from understanding, at a very core level, our shared responsibility, our co-creation of the foul demon currently unleashed.

What a thing we have created. What an extraordinary horror our rapacious need for cheap, endless energy hath unleashed; it's a monster of a scale and proportion we can barely even fathom.

Because if you're honest, no matter where you stand, no matter your politics, religion, income or mode of transport, you see this beast of creeping death and you understand: That is us. The spill may be many things, but more than anything else it is a giant, horrifying mirror."

 

 

14

[img_assist|nid=1051468|title=Gulf Oil Pipelines|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=438]Here’s another beauty of the pipelines connected to those 4000 platforms. . . 

Uh, gotta run -  my Hummer limo is outside ready to take me to the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival  http://www.shrimp-petrofest.org

Sure, it’s in September, but I figure we’ll just drive around until then . . . 

15

Here in aus, conserving energy seems to be pretty well talked about, and most people try to do something to reduce the amount of energy/fuel they use. My wife is constantly "reminding" me to turn the lights off etc. But, like has been said, some people just don't give a sh&t, which is so annoying. Who needs a "theatre" room with a disgustingly big TV?. I don't get how people can be proud of how big their tv is. I'd be embarrassed that i watched that much tv that i needed to spend a crapload of money on a big screen.

 

What's happening there is absolutely terrible, and i just can't imagine the feeling of that being my local area. Hoping for a miracle for you guys, and hope it gets sorted as soon as possible.

 

Cheers

16

 

Has anyone really followed Obamas stance on oil drilling?

He was very against oil drilling anywhere and I do mean anywhere then a month before this event changed his stance for no obvious reason.

Since this "accident" He has now switched back to his original no drilling stance.

This platform was given safety awards by this Administration.

This oil platform was given passes on repairs so it could operate.

The oil platforms maintaners and real owners transaceana are testifying in court under oath they were told to go ahead and speed up drilling by BP execs even after they said it wasn't safe!

Don't listen to what Obama says instead look at what he said Before he attained power.

Look at what the people he chooses to surround himself with believe and say!

Most of them are very anti big oil, anti-Capitolism, most of them are Socialists who hate free market economics.

Two days before the actual explosion Goldmann Sachs sold 250 million dollars worth of BP stock.

Gee what great timing!

Goldmann Sachs makes things happen in our government they are all over this administration in fact the last one as well.

Profits are put ahead of everything but power and control.

BP is heavily invested in the "green movement"

Has anyone thought that these coincidences are just a little to convenient?

I no longer believe in coincidence just follow the bouncing ball on who stands to make profit or gain power.

I for one think this was an allowed/planned event that got out of hand also known as a false flag.

I can provide links as to why I think this way for anyone interested.

Don't believe what the media says as they are mostly in the tank for this Administration.

There are ways to clean up oil by vacuming off the oil into tankers it has been done before.

There are ways to use human hair in cheese cloth mesh and or nylon material to mop up the rest as well.

There are laws put in place to keep events like this from getting out of hand where has all the funding gone that was set aside to deal with issues like this?

Use the smell test please and you to will see this event stinks to high heaven and back.

17

I guess we didn’t see the silver lining last time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHmhxpQEGPo&feature=player_embedded#!

 

 

[quote] If the well were in 200 feet of water, it would have been fixed in a few days.  You could argue that pushing them out to 5300 feet was not a good idea.  You could also argue that allowing drilling in ANWR would have been a lot smarter. [/quote]

 

Last time it didn't help that the well was in "shallow" water.

 
18

i am another that has committed to change my life after this debacle in the gulf. If any of you follow the link to my blog, you will see how pissed off I am about this.

The solution? Fuck, I don’t know, but I have 40 poly blanks to get through this summer. In the meantime, i have already started using a resin made from linseed oil with IXPS(which I know is still oil based at the root). I am moving away from any poly production as soon as I can.

I can’t stop using my van, as it is a lifeline for the business, but I run it on 95% vegetable oil. I refuse to give these huge, reckless, irresponsible, and corrupt businesses any more of my money, as much as I can help it.

The have lied, stolen, and bribed their way into all the governments of the world, so the only way you can fight back is not to buy…

 

and no, I am not a fundamental eco warrior, per se. I just can’t live with my conscience if i say one thing and do another…

 

oh yeah, and don’t forget that the companies that supply all the “clean up” chemicals and gear are run by former oil company executives… really. Just do some research…

 

if I dumped oil illegally, I would be clapped in chains…ahem…just sayin’…ahem

19

I’m shocked by what I read in a belgian newspaper today!!

 

http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=542R5JNH

 

titled: The U.S. fight oil with outdated technology

BRUSSELS

  • Belgian and Dutch dredgers have technology in-house to fight the oil spill
    in the Gulf of Mexico. But the “Jones Act” forbids them to work
    in the U.S…

…

Therefore we urgently need dams built of stone and sand to stop the oil slick off
the southern coast of the U.S. as much as possible. She threatens
ecologically most valuable areas such as swamps at the mouth of the
Mississippi, Louisiana and the main tourist coasts of Florida.

“The U.S.
authorities, estimate that they need nine months to get the
job done. We can do that in four months. And if we work
together, there may be perhaps one month less”, said spokesman Hubert Fiers of the Belgian
dredging group
DEME.

…

That law dates from 1920 and is part of
the Merchant Marine Act. She states that
freight vessel between U.S. ports is reserved to vessels built in the
U.S., under U.S. flag, owned by Americans and manned by U.S. citizens or
permanent residents.

…

 

You can translate the whole article with google translate.

 

Maybe you guys know that belgians and dutch are world class dredgers. Almost all dredging in Dubai is done by belgian and dutch companies. I’m not proud of what they did over there but we have the technology and knowledge today!

(It’s a big belgian newspaper, not some tabloid)

 

20

My wife and I live in the Costa Rican rainforest… off the grid, which sounds really
“green” I know, but at the moment I am running my generator because its
rainy season and my batteries are low. Even in a place like this we’re
forced to use gas from time to time. I’ve done my best to live with
less oil and I’m sure if everyone used as little as we do, the planet
would be a lot cleaner, but I also know its not so easy to do… virtually impossible.

So, unless you’re willing to stop shampooing your hair, stop wearing sneakers, brushing your teeth, refrigerating your food, cleaning your toilet, not to mention riding your surfboard, etc…etc… just get back in your car… drive less. You want to do something to ease the guilt? Go help clean up the spill.