MISSION For Every Surfer to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The surf ministry exists to share the love of Jesus Christ and witness to the surfing community through the human display in our lives of his word and love.   PURPOSE To make friends, become better surfers, enjoy God's great outdoors, serve others, and share the love of Jesus Christ.   Goals Build a bridge to UCSD students Witness in the water Empower our Torrey Pines Youth in becoming witnesses in the water and becoming better surfers Develop a Men's and Women's surf group Develop a relationship with Robbie Nelson in his work with disabled surfers (assist) Bring in youth groups from other areas and teach them to surf and share God's ocean and his love Have Christian Surfers speak to our youth Be involved with the Christian Surfers International Association, and the San Diego Chapter of the Surf-rider Foundation. Provide the foundation for the new youth minister to assist in the surf ministry Upcoming Events   Stoked surf fellowship members getting prepared to go surfing with Patrick- the most fearless surfer you could ever meet!		Contact Information Tel: +1 858 453 4034 Fax: +1 858 453 3572 Bob Bishop bbish60@yahoo.com More Info... Facebook Group Safety Tips Christian Surfers International San Diego Surfrider Foundation Surf Release Form Surfboard Checkout Form

Do a beach observation checking tides, wave size, general conditions, posted flags or marine warnings
Before entering the water look for rip currents
Use a beach marker to line up in front of
Always do the stingray shuffle
Keep your surfboard pointed straight and to the side of you
Never have anything including other surfers between you and the incoming waves
Be aware of loose surfboards and surfers riding waves. Always avoid interrupting the ride of a surfer, stay out of the way
There is no such thing as an undertow in the surfing zone so relax under the water
When you come up after being under the water cover your head with the palms of your hands on top of your head, elbows in front of your face
Never dive off the board in shallow water, fall toward the horizon into the wave, or off the back of the surfboard
Know how to remove your leash without looking before going out
Show respect be never turning your back on the sea
Testimony

TPCC Surfing w/Coach Bob
by James Bishop

I went surfing with Coach Bob the other Saturday at 15th Street, Del Mar. I arrived, and he said, "We are going out to the reef." Now, I've never been surfing over a reef, much less, I've only surfed once at Del Mar and according to me, the waves were big and fierce! I had the fear of the unknown. But we went out anyway.

I prayed to God for a big wave for me to catch. And in the first 2 minutes, Surfer Bob said, "Take this one! Turn around! Go!" I turned my 8 foot board around without even one look at the 5 foot wave behind me! I looked back and saw a wave 2 feet above my head about to crash over me. I felt a lift and a slight push, I stood up, and I felt like I was going 70 mph! But before I knew it I found myself in the water, covering my head to protect it from the slicing fins. I got on my board, got pummeled by a few waves and was back out on the horizon.

I went for another 5 foot wave, got a 3 second ride, and found myself in the same position. I got out easier though, after Bob taught me how to turtle (turn over under the wave to get past it). We were talking for a little, while the waves were flat. I paddled back to where he was after trying to get past waves that were going to topple right over us. He said, "Yeah, whenever you see big waves that are going to catch you in the curl...paddle your BUTT OFF!"

We talked and saw dolphins pop up their dorsal fins about 3 feet in front of us! I said, "Man, if I were still up there, and saw that gray flash under me, it would've scared the heebie geebies out of me!" After all, that was what all the shark attack victims said they saw! But dolphins meant NO sharks, and it was a sign to me that Christ was with me, like a dolphin to the sharks (the devil).

We waited, and I pointed my finger in awe of a 7 foot wave approaching us. Bob said nothing - it was Christ in my mind telling me this was my wave, the wave I prayed for, a glassy, 7 foot righty, and I was in the perfect spot to catch it. I looked left and saw the other surfers go backward over the wave, looked right and saw the same thing. This was the wave I prayed for! I was so full of stoke! I stood up, turned right, and caught a wave 3 feet over my head for the most stoke-filled 10 seconds of my life! I glided across the water going 70 mph (that's what it felt like anyway) and let my hand feel the wave as I rode. I was in touch with the wave; we knew how each other worked, much like me and Jesus. Now, I can't fully explain the feeling, for the only way to truly know would be to do it, and take the risk - the risk of being rejected by friends, and do what Jesus has called us to do. I saw the wave closing out on me, and went up on the wave. I sprung off the board like a rocket being launched. I was washed in the water like a baptism for all of my sins.

Mission accomplished, I caught white water and rode in to land. Surfer Bob introduced me to man named Milton Willis. I talked to him like any other friend, not knowing he'd caught the biggest wave ever recorded, 100 feet tall! But still, I talked with him like anyone; he said it was just luck. Surfer Bob said, "Yeah! And muscle, skill, determination, confidence and little fear of the unknown!" I thought, well this really does all relate to Jesus. We all have the fear of the unknown. We do not know Jesus truly until we're in heaven, we don't know the stoke of the surf until we do it! I thanked God for this lesson and thanked Him for the opportunity for a better life.

I've had experiences like this before with Jesus, and how you get thrown off track, but He forgives you for your sins and before you know it, you're back on board, worshiping Him more than ever before.