the OI and Indonesia

UPDATED Tues Night Oct. 6 -

Surprisingly I have not seen anything from the industry on providing assistance for the Quake/Tsunami victims in Indonesia.  Maybe the OI press isn't covering it, or maybe it's too soon (?), or maybe we were all busy crafting the future of our market at Rendezvous.... but there is an opportunity in front of us to do good, maybe clear some older inventory, show the greater watersports businesses how we roll and join the world community of advocates and businesses pitching in to save lives in Indo.

The area hardest hit (Padang City, up to Malaysia and even Samoa) is a haven for surfers and adventure travelers.  This is not at all a peripheral event to our interests.  The fastest way to help is to donate funds to support efforts on the ground there.

Also to that end, here are a few ways to get involved (spread the word, you captains of social networking):

Jason Murray, famous surf photographer, is heading to Padang next week.  He's willing to carry whatever he can in his and crew luggage/bag check.  jason@photomurray.com

Andrew Judge, COO SurfAid International, wrote this over the weekend

Hi All,

Just getting some internet here in Padang,

This is a great offer; tents and medical supplies are exactly what we need.

Our Program Director David Lange is coordinating the supplies.  He has specific needs for medical supplies and would really like to talk to you.

Ideally, if you could send anything you have down now, we can send to Ments and Telos.  If you are still in Medan, could you please get in touch and we will tell you what is most needed.

and these contacts also interested in getting support for a ground effort in Indo.

Great talking with you this morning.

I think your idea of rallying the outdoor industry makes perfect sense.  If the various companies can pull together tents, water purifiers and various outdoor camping supplies that would be insane!

The major issue will be logistics and shipping these products out.  As of right now, Surfaid is going through their Australia offices and contacts to send supplies and receive info and status updates.

Look to http://www.surfaidinternational.org or http://www.redcross.org for directing donations of human-powered flashlights, shelters, tarps, tents, waterproof bags/backpacks, and medical gear.  If you know of other avenues that can assure gear will get to the right people, then chime in here and let the outdoor world know.

So reach out and touch someone!

KH