In 1999, a New Zealand doctor named Dave Jenkins went on a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia. This in no way made him special. The Mentawais are still something of a haven for surfers — clusters of epic warm-water waves are packed into a small area that most surfers, including Jenkins, access by way of luxury charter. But in 1999, the Mentawais served as the latest Shangri-La of surf travel.

But even if the Mentawais were a popular destination, almost no surfers left their boats and went ashore on their trips. Jenkins did, and what he saw profoundly altered the course of his life and the lives of the people he encountered.

What he saw forced Jenkins, once a wealthy medical professional, to ditch his life and found a nonprofit called SurfAid International. SurfAid, whose U.S. offices are in Encinitas, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Read full story at signonsandiego

1. Check out the facebook page.
2. Read Variety review
3. Read Article from theCalifornian.com (below)
   

The Cannery Row IMAX is set to launch a new 3D movie, “Ultimate Wave Tahiti,” which features nine-time surfing champ Kelly Slater.

The film shows surfing action in Tahiti and the volcanic islands of French Polynesia, where some of the most challenging waves and a complex coral reef ecosystem are present. Stephen Low, director of the film, used the latest Giant Screen camera technology.

• What: “Ultimate Wave Tahiti” premiere
• When: Friday.
• Where: Cannery Row IMAX Theatre, 640 Wave St. Monterey.
• Information: www.canneryrowimax.com; 831-372-4629.

Continuing to film her upcoming movie Soul Surfer, AnnaSophia Robb bundles up in a dark blue robe with a cup of Joe on the beaches of Hawaii on Sunday morning (February 7).
The 16-year-old actress will portray the real-life Bethany Hamilton, who was 13-years-old when she was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing along the shoes of Kaua’i.

Later in the day, AnnaSophia was seen filming scenes with an unidentified actor with her green-screened arm. Carrie Underwood, who is set to star as church youth leader Sarah, will join the actress on set on Monday.

10+ pics inside of AnnaSophia Robb keeping the cool winds out…

original story and more photos at justjaredjr.buzznet.com