Hunters' Gift

All kinds of people surf out here. They come from all over the valley, from as far away as the desert area of Rio Grande City to slide the waves that are best in the Gulf of Mexico. Waves that more resemble those of California than the typical mushburgers of the shallow Gulf.

But even then, we go through extended periods of flat, especially during the summetime, times when the waters go placid and blue, not even a hint of ripple over the expansive Gulf. Ironically, it's this time of the year that tropical weather moves through the broiling waters, stirring waves that sometimes get to be world class.

During this indecisive time of waves-no waves local surfers often travel south, to the west coast of Mexico. It was during one of my Southern sabbaticals that I first met Hunter. I was going through a pretty wicked divorce (who doesn't in this day and age, it's considered cliche not to now I think), I had just returned from Mexico, and was enjoying a late spring swell on the beach during spring break, when I ended up over at the Tequila Sunset having a few cuba libres with Hunter, talking waves, surf spots and of all things, farming.

Hunter is the son of a successful farmer over in Willacy county, and that's his life. Farming and surfing. He ended up getting married not long after we met, and we only saw one another on certain swells, and occasionally in other settings, like once when I was giving a rotary club presentation for the Watermasters office, who I was working for at the time. Among surfers though, there's always a bond that transcends friendship. It's the bond of the tribe, something that excludes non surfers, people of the land, and friendships just picks up again no matter the time passage.

In 2001 after September 11th Hunter put together the first Kids Fourth of July Surf Challange in order to give local children the opportunity to focus on something healthy, something other than the turmoil of that terrible day. The contest was free entry, with prizes donated by local businesses, and trophies were given to all kids who participated. Hunter and his wife gave freely of themselves, attacking the event with a passion, and the event has flourished. Donations are accepted, and they are given to needy local causes. Last year, a family who was devistated by an auto accident, this year a local spinal chord injury victim.

About 150 kids participated in the event on Saturday, including the twins. More than a story of success, more than just an event this is about one mans vision and persistence, and the desire to provide something for the kids and community that Hunter loves. He doesn't ask for anything, doesn't look for any kind of recognition for himself. In his low key get-it-done way, he simply does something....something good.

As I write this there's a tropical storm in the Gulf, and more on the way from deep down south. We'll soon have waves, hopefully big clean sets, peeling far offshore, crashing on the beach, ending their long journey from exotic places. I'll more than likely see friends from long ago, people I rarely get to see this time of year. I hope Hunter will be able to take a break from plowing and cultivating cotton and join us. He deserves it.