existing organizations to get unique communities to foster ocean awareness. One of their initiatives is to bring in individuals to repurpose or up-cycle marine plastic debris and to develop new materials which can replace current plastic.
“Working with Parley has been very inspirational,” says Long. “As I travel the world becoming aware of problems such as ocean plastics pollution in the Maldives, I am tasked with going back to those places to raise awareness.”
Long is also active with Surfrider Foundation, Sustainable Surf and Save the Waves among others.
Never one to be complacent with his physical training, Long is currently set-up in Maui. He injured his knee last June and through rehab, he was surfing confidently by October. His time in Maui will include training to completely heal the knee and to be surf-ready.
“I cross-train with a lot of cardio, breath-holding, yoga, swimming and core work,” Long says. “I think the mental and physical go hand in hand. One draws on the other.”
In the meantime, he consistently has an eye on the weather monitoring for giant swells that may mark the next surfing competition or adventure. The current monitoring technology allows for 72 hours of forecast ahead of time as to how the waves will be in a specific area. Long is always packed and on standby to depart for one of his surfing sanctuaries.
“When I look at the ocean, I see awe and wonder. For me it brings feelings of returning home, memories I have created and the incredible opportunities and lifestyle that it has presented to me,” says Long. “It is essentially my life. For those generations yet to come, I want them to see it exactly as I did. A beautiful sanctuary.”
May 2017 - Marine Conservation & Travel
48 - SEVENSEAS