Reef Check in Dana Point for Crossing Visit and Quiksilver Foundation Dinner

RC Executive Director Gregor Hodgson, RC California Director Craig Shuman, surf legend Tom Carroll, and RC Scientist Bob Foster in front of the Indies Trader. Click image for larger view.

Reef Check in Dana Point for Crossing Visit and Quik Foundation Dinner

After 6 years and 90,000 miles sailing around the world in search of new surf breaks and remote reefs for survey, the Quiksilver Crossing has finally arrived on the West Coast for the first time and is currently touring California.  After a short stop in San Diego, the Crossing's 75-foot boat, Indies Trader, traveled north to beautiful Dana Point and docked at the Ocean Institute for several days of public tours.  Reef Check representatives helped with the outreach and education at the popular location, and the story was prominently featured in the LA Times.

A classic California sunset set the stage for the Quik Foundation's first fundraising dinner on June 25, hosted by the Ocean Institute.  It was a chance for Reef Check to thank many of the Quiksilver executives and surf stars, such as surf legend Tom Carroll, who have been closely working with Reef Check on the Crossing and other important programs.

RC California Director Craig Shuman, RC Executive Director Gregor Hodgson, RC Scientist Bob Foster. Click image for larger view.

Several members of the Reef Check staff attended the event, including Dr. Gregor Hodgson (Reef Check founder and executive director) and his wife Ming, Dr. Craig Shuman (Reef Check California program director), Bob Foster (Reef Check's resident biologist aboard the Crossing) and newcomer Scott Sheckman, Reef Check PR Director.

The Ocean Institute's new President, Dan Stetson provided a private tour of the facility which features a wide array of marine animals indigenous to Southern California.  Established in 1977, each year the facility provides unique educational programs to over 80,000 students and is visited by over 50,000 people.

At the evening's presentations, Quik Foundation Executive Director Kathie Armstrong was joined by her brother and Quiksilver CEO, Bob McKnight, to introduce the Foundation's spirited mission and present the Ocean Institute with a generous financial gift.  Also in the spotlight was Bruce Raymond, CEO of Quiksilver International and founder of the Crossing program, who flew in from Australia especially for this event.  Bruce was joined by Tom Carroll and detailed the incredible history of his brainchild, the Crossing.  Dr. Hodgson followed with a big “thank you” and description of Reef Check's long relationship with the Crossing and the remarkable science that has been achieved with access to remote reefs.

Visitors tour the Crossing and learn about Reef Check. Click image for larger view.

Reef Check is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event, surely the first of many wonderful fundraisers for the Quik Foundation which has already contributed a great deal of goodwill to worthy causes in its short existence.  For more information about the Quiksilver Foundation or the Quiksilver Crossing, please click here.