

Andre is a 25 year surfer from Barbados looking to get involved in black surfing. He use to surf min twice a week for years and now he surfs when he can. He is a teacher, and worked for a summer as a surf instructor in San Diego. Now he is in the 415 area code.
Even though I never met Mr. Monte Valentin, I feel like I could relate to his passion for surf and his love for our oceans! I grew up miles and miles away from the beach on 125st and Normandie! Since I couldn’t surf the oceans, I surfed the streets on skateboards with the few friends in my area that actually skateboarded! In fifth grade I got a bike and it was all over! Like Mr. Valentin, I road my bike west until I hit golden sands and blue-green oceans! It didn’t matter what beach I ended up at, all that mattered was that I was there! I imagine Mr. Valentin hear the same calls from the oceans that I did as a child, received a similar sense of excitement and fulfillment at the end of his bike rides!
Again, thanks to the BSA and the Valentin family for having Heal The Bay and myself participate Sunday! Surfers and non-surfers alike all came together to shared in the same oneness of LOVE! It was a beautiful experience! I will always carry it close to my heart! As a son, a brother, a surfer and ocean lover!
Sincerely,
Boun Prasert