Surfing's joy swells religious feelings in growing U.S. cadre

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Originally published 10:57 p.m., August 1, 2003, updated 12:00 a.m., August 2, 2003

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HONOLULU -- As the white-tipped wave melts into the ocean, the surfer's rush of adrenaline gives way other feelings. Some who ride the walls of water are making an unexpected discovery at that moment. They are finding God.

Around the world, a subculture perhaps better known for sculpted bodies and slacker mind-sets is finding spirituality. Some surfers say a flawless ride puts them in touch with a higher power. Some are taking those feelings and using the ocean as a pulpit from which to preach their faith.

And dude, they think it's awesome.

"Surfing is the most spiritual thing that you can do," said Rabbi Nachum Shifren, who lectures on the surf-soul connection. "You're out in the water; you're by yourself; you're out there in God's creation. It's like being in the womb."

Such messages of spirituality in the surf have given the search for the perfect wave new meaning.

Each week, dozens of Bible study groups made up entirely of surfers assemble throughout the country. They are organizing mission trips in the Caribbean and kosher surf camps in Costa Rica. They've even seen the introduction of their own Bible including a full-color cover with shots of big waves and profiles of surfers inside, a surf-gear line called Faith Riding Co., and the Surfer's Chapel in Huntington Beach, Calif.

"Surfing has always been kind of a more-spiritual" activity, said Army Chief Warrant Officer Glen Spence, a surfer in Hawaii. "It's only natural for the two to meet up."

Christian Surfers, an international organization that started in Australia more than 20 years ago, has flourished recently in the United States. Two years ago, nine chapters served about 450 members. Today 28 groups from Old Orchard Beach, Maine, to Pensacola, Fla., to Hawaii count about 1,400 members.

The organization tallies thousands of surfers elsewhere too, in Japan, South Africa, Venezuela and a host of other surfing hot spots.

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