2nd Annual "Blessing of the Waves" to be held in Huntington Beach

In Huntington Beach, the sport of surfing means more than just catching gnarly waves. Surfing in HB means rising before dawn to catch a peek of the intensifying sun over the inland horizon. It's standing in the sand inhaling the invigorating scent of the Pacific Ocean breeze. It's paddling into the morning's unconquered surf and tasting the salty ocean water. It's experiencing the natural connection between man, surfboard and ocean.

Moreover, many surfers of all faiths in Surf City USA enjoy the ocean as a place of prayer. In fact, so precious in the minds and hearts of the locals is this serene and often spiritual relationship with nature, that it is cause for interfaith worship of the city's "holy water" one morning each October.

The Blessing of the Waves

During the annual event known as Blessing of the Waves, hundreds of people from a variety of religions (Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, etc.) gather on the golden sands adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier for a short prayer from each faith's minister. The ministers offer insight on what it means to protect the environment from their faith's perspective and to give thanks to their deity for one of the earth's greatest natural assets - the ocean.

"The connection to nature offers strong overtones in every religion," said Father Christian Mondor, a Huntington Beach Franciscan priest and the inspiration behind the first Blessing of the Waves.

"Blessing of the Waves brings people together from so many different faiths, and surfing is a means of crossing all religious lines."

Of course, you won't find the usual church environment during Blessing of the Waves. Sand-covered surfboards take the place of soft-seated pews. Flora-patterned swim trunks and black wetsuits substitute for flower-print dresses and black slacks. Inspirational music fills the air, and phrases such as "thank the Lord" give way to lighthearted phrases such as "thank the Big Kahuna above."

You will, however, find imams, rabbis and priests in robes offering heart-felt prayers. Rest assured, most are sporting a wetsuit underneath.

Although the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange officially sponsors the event, Father Christian believes this is an event for all Californians, surfers and non-surfers alike, to come and "thank whatever god you believe in." Significant to the sandy-footed congregation's worship is the fact that this year's Blessing of the Waves falls on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment in the Roman Catholic Church.

"Blessing of the Waves is not about trying to promote any one religion," Father Christian said. "We just want show our appreciation for the ocean we have right here in Surf City USA."

Father Christian, who has been a Huntington Beach resident for over 20 years, knows a thing or two about the sport's spiritual connotations. Beyond his priesthood, he's been a body surfer for nearly 74 years.

"There is so much more to surfing than meets the eye," says Father Christian.
"Sure, it's a fun place to enjoy the sport, but it's more it's so spiritual.
The paddle-out between the waves is so quiet and peaceful."

Father Christian says the people in Huntington Beach realize that without conservation of the oceans, the sport of surfing - and the link surfers have to nature - will be lost.

"We need to raise consciousness of the threats to the ocean so that we can conserve the oceans for our children, and our children's children," Father Christian said. "We have to try our best to prevent further ocean pollution."

As for the future of Blessing of the Waves, Father Christian hopes it continues to grow. "We're inviting surfers from all over California, the word is spreading, and we're hoping for a bigger crowd each year."

"People of faith have been battling for too long, and Blessing of the Waves gives us the opportunity to all come together and support a common goal."

Blessing of the Waves Event Information

Date: Sunday October 4
Time: 7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
Location: The north side of the Huntington Beach Pier at Pier Plaza. Directions.
Events: Prayer blessing and two live bands: The Wedge and Undersky.

Find out even more information about Blessing of the Waves on the event's Facebook page.