I’m an oceanophile, father, husband, peacemaker, life coach, passionate bodyboarder, and recovering follower of Jesus who believes that God is better than we are and that He loves everyone without discrimination. Further, I hear God attempting to speak and connect with us through the mundane, painful, and beautiful moments of our lives.
I have lost my faith several times over the past 40 years, but for some reason, I just cannot get away from God’s love for all people and creation. Even in my most cynical and despairing moments, God seems to be stalking me.
I do not mean the God of religion, but the One who made this big beautiful world that surrounds us.
A few years ago, I took a sabbatical to complete my doctoral dissertation at Carolina Beach. I was only ‘supposed’ to be there for two years. The sea had other plans.
During that time, something amazing happened. God found me in the waves while riding a cheap bodyboard that I pulled from my neighbor’s trash. My world was rocked, and I have never been the same. Needless to say, we did not move.
This simple website is my attempt to share my aquatic and spiritual journey as a bodyboarder, educating whoever cares to listen to the pleasures of bodyboarding, inviting you into this sacred space.
I’ll be honest: I’d love it if you become a bodyboarder and start having mystical (or self-transcendent) encounters with God in the sea.
But even if that’s not you, I am convinced that God wants to play and connect with you through nature in ways that are most meaningful to you. I want everyone to see that life is a garment of seamless sacredness; if you begin to view your hobbies, passions, and joys as sacramental acts, you can expect to start experiencing God more and more in your everyday moments.
This blog is a place where I talk about how God found me in the sea, and I learned to play with him. The Catholics have their rosary beads, the Buddhists their prayer wheel, and I have my bodyboard.
Thank you for stopping by! I welcome you to share with me how you have experienced God in the “extraordinarily ordinary” – the spaces that bring you the greatest joy. All of life is sacred, and your narrative, no doubt, will be unique.
Nonetheless, God is speaking to us all.
Surf riding Video
The video below is one of my favorites. It captures a perfect surf riding day at my favorite spot. As you watch the video, you will notice there are several pictures of the ocean with poles sticking out of them. This place is called “The Pipe” by the locals.