James Pribram of Laguna Beach has made a name for himself in recent years for his tireless work on behalf of surfing-related causes. Winner of the 2007 John Kelly Environmental Achievement Award, Pribram has been called an “eco warrior.” That term, in fact, refers specifically to his collaborative preservation efforts with environmentalist and surfer William Henry. Their unique eco warrior team has the stated mission to “tackle unique and engaging issues side by side with local grass roots organizations from places like the Canary Islands, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and more…” Pribram also co-founded the Aloha School of Surfing, as well as an organization called They Will Surf Again, which is designed to provide support and resources to people who are debilitated by “water-related spinal cord injuries.”
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Most recently, Pribram travelled to Costa Verde International School in Sayulita, Mexico to educate students both about surfing and about the preservation of the coastal environment.
Last week, from November 8 to the 13, he and his colleagues conducted an essay contest, surfing outings and more. Costa Verde International School (CVIS) is renowned as “Mexico's fist green school,” a place whose purpose is to give people a “profound understanding of the necessity for a “green” approach to living,” to promote “high quality progressive education that is culturally and economically inclusive and focused on environmental sustainability, and to advance ecological responsibility in Mexico.”
During Pribram's visit, students received gifts from sponsors and got the chance to hear stories from him about his many travels and exploits on behalf of preservation efforts. According to a spokesperson, surf photographer and adventurer Geoff Ragatz has been traveling along with Pribram for the purpose of documenting the trip, which will soon be featured in Transworld Surf mag.
