Surfrider Foundation make waves at Celebrity Surf Jam

Between the screaming fans, television crews and paparazzi, it was hard to tell whether you were at a rock concert or a surf contest at the second annual Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Surf Jam on June 12, 2006. However, as soon as the event co-chair and emcee Sal Masekela announced “Game on,” it quickly became apparent that the event was all about surfing.

Unquestionably one of the most unique surfing events in the world today, Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Surf Jam brings together some of the world’s top professional surfers, various surfing celebrities from the world of screen, sport and music, as well as Surfrider Foundation activists from across the country, to raise awareness of our beach and coastal environments by competing in a exciting team surfing event. Among the stars joining co-chairs Incubus’ Brandon Boyd and pro surfer Pat O’Connell for this year’s event were academy award nominated actress Minnie Driver, “Baywatch” alumni and star of the new hit TV series “Beyond the Break” David Chokachi, star of the WB’s “Related” Andrew Keegan, star of the 70’s TV series “Courtship of Eddie’s Father” Brandon Cruz, as well as professional surfers Rob Machado, Taylor Knox, Damien Hobgood, Tim Curran and Danny Fuller.“I am excited to be down here participating in this year’s event and doing whatever I can to support the Surfrider Foundation,” David Chokachi said.

The shifty two to five-foot waves proved challenging for celebrities and pros alike. Despite the conditions, blue team captain Pat O’Connell, along with Surfrider Foundation activists Brian Alper, Terry Gibson, Marco Gonzalez and Molly Ware, and Incubus members Brandon Boyd and Ben Kenney, Switchfoot members Chad Butler and Tim Foreman, and pro surfers Jeff Deffenbaugh, Taylor Knox and Tim Curran (collectively known as Pat’s Posse) all surfed well enough to sail to a Celebrity Surf Jam victory. “I’m not going to say that we weren’t competitive out there today, but when all this is said and done, it’s really our oceans, waves and beaches that won today,” O’Connell said. “We’re just out here trying to draw attention to the great work that the Surfrider Foundation does to keep our beaches safe and accessible for everyone.”

This year’s Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Surf Jam was presented by Op, Adidas and FedEx, and sponsored by Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Squeeze OC, Water Magazine, Foam Magazine, Surfline, Jet Blue Airways and the National Surf League.