Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Redman.
Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Surfing Madonna Oceans Project came about following the creation of the glass mosaic ‘Save The Ocean’ by artist Mark Patterson. The ‘Save The Oceans’ mosaic was first installed clandestinely under the train bridge in Encinitas by Mark and his good friend Bob Nichols in 2011, and after moving around a bit, she now resides on the wall of Leucadia Pizzeria in Encinitas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope, not smooth at all! Most all in the community loved the Surfing Madonna and her Save The Ocean message, but alas, the piece was originally not embraced by city hall, and was even referred to as graffiti.
Many in the news media were trying to find out who placed it there and were even calling the glass stores in San Diego trying to get records of people who were buying loads of blue glass! Mark in his infinite wisdom, chose to pay for all the supplies with cash so as not to leave a paper trail. Eventually the truth came out and Mark was facing some serious legal issues! With lots of community support, Mark and Bob got through the legal problems; and seeing that Surfing Madonna was a huge inspiration for so many, went on to form Surfing Madonna Oceans Project as a 501(c)(3) as a way of giving back to the community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I took on operating Surfing Madonna after having served as a board member of our organization. And as an ocean enthusiast and snorkeler, I am always encouraging people to get in the ocean and have a good look around at the amazing sea life we have right here in San Diego County. Lots of really cool creatures are just under the surface! La Jolla is a great spot to have a look; Swamis too, just outside the surf zone. A big part of my work with Surfing Madonna is facilitating our surf camps for special need youth. With the help of wonderful community groups such as The Pendleton Surf Club, National Charity League, and Teen Volunteers In Action, we provide an opportunity for special needs families to have a great day at the beach and enjoy the waves and sun shine!
Every special needs surfer is paired with an instructor and volunteers to ride the waves on a big foam board and share the stoke of the surf! For many of the kids this is their first time at the beach, and certainly the first time on a surf board. Our surf camps run on most Saturdays throughout the summer so please come have a look to see what the excitement is all about.
Another cool part of Surfing Madonna is our annual ‘Save The Ocean’ art show. We collaborate with the Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad to host an art and poetry experience featuring artists and poets of our local region. Our next show is coming up March 26 – May 28, 2025. Hope to see you there!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Well, without risks, we won’t grow and develop to be our best. There are so many ways of looking at ‘risks’. For some it could be doing exciting, almost scary things like rock climbing or sky diving. For others it could be psychological risks like public speaking, or agreeing to an interview with SD Voyager : ) I like to do a few of all these things…embracing the edge between comfort and risk. That’s where the growth happens!
Pricing:
- Our surf camps are free with a small deposit.
- Donations to the cause greatly appreciated: https://givebutter.com/SurfingMadonna
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.surfingmadonna.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfingMadonna
Image Credits
Tricia Crockett Jules Jacob Mike Redman
