We sat around talking about going on a surf campout in my early sobriety. One day I got this flash “Make a flier and they will come”. So I made a flier and we had meetings at my house. At the first retreat October 1986 there were about 60-70 people. There were 30 of us old guys and girls age 25 and older, and 30 young people 17 and under.
For about the first 14 years you could drive into the campground and get a spot. A couple of the retreats had 300 people at the Saturday night meeting. You have to remember being new in sobriety most of us were on limited budgets, add the surfer factor, we needed an event that didn’t cost $100 a day but $10 a day. The main idea behind the surf retreat was to have a place where newcomers could afford to come to. Newcomers could afford the retreat if more of us would get spots for the people who aren’t sober till up to the day of the event. In order for the retreat to survive we need your help to help the newcomer.
We have had 2 marriages at the retreat. Some have met their husband or wives at the retreat. Even had a couple of children conceived at the retreat. But the best one is the newcomer who got their first day of recovery.
The retreat is open to all 12 step groups. Take a family for example that has 4 members participating in 4 different 12 step groups. At the retreat all are welcome and can participate in the meeting.
The retreat has been an incredible learning experience for so many. We walk through all 12 steps over the weekend. Pretty awesome! We get to hear so much wisdom and interpretation of the steps from people with one day to 45 years of sobriety or abstinent from there 12 step group. Some of the speakers really lit us up about the 12 steps.
The next retreat is your retreat. Make it the best possible. Gratitude for the San Elijo Park Rangers they keep the place safe for us. We have had to smooth out some rough spots on account of our behavior. Be kind & courteous to Rangers & your Neighbors.
Only one rule – Don’t takeoff on your Elders!!
God Bless and We will surely meet as we surf the road of happy destiny!
Last line in Doctor Bob’s Story
Ron Y.
Questions? Contact: cleanandserenelist@hotmail.com
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2 comments
Is there any chance of me sharing a campsite with someone else ? I am a fun, easy going guy and will have 5 years of sobriety in august and would love to attend your October surf retreat. I didn’t book my campsite on time!! I just found out about you guys. I live on the island of Maui and have a SUV in California for transportation. thank you for your time and consideration.
Author
Hi Mark,
Congrats on the 5 yrs. Usually people just show up because people with sites are usually very easy going about sharing their sites. But being that you are coming all the way from Maui you may want something a little more concrete. The beach always gets last minute cancellations as well so you may be able to secure a space directly through them. I will keep you in mind if I hear of anything on my end.
Take care!