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James Pribram and Surfrider Celebrate Victory as Chicago Parks District Announces Surfing Legal
June 13, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
" Eco Warrior" and Pro Surfer James Pribram joins Surfrider Foundation's Lake Michigan Chapter Co-Chair Vince Deur in celebrating their victory yesterday as The Chicago Parks District officially announced that surfing is no longer illegal. For decades, Chicago has banned all flotation devices from their beaches since a deadly tragedy occurred with three girls on an inflatable raft. The CPD agreed to open two city public beaches for summer: Montrose & 57th St and four other beaches for off-season surfing: what Montrose, 57th, Rainbow & Osterman.
In early summer of 2008, Pribran, Deur, Surfer & Attorney Todd Haugh and local Kitesurfer Mike Urban had a surf summit with officials at the Chicago Parks District to make their case for surfing in Chicago and tried to reverse a city-wide ban on floatation devices, a law that ultimately put Chicago surfer Jack Flynn behind bars overnight when he attempted surfing a cold and stormy December day.
To further protest the law, Pribram joined local surfers David Vanderveen, Jack Flynn, Vince Deur , Jim Hoop and Ryan Gerard last month for a "paddle out" in front of Chicago's legendary 'Miracle Mile.' After almost two hours of stand up paddling, Chicago police boats arrived, but the surfers were long gone. "While our little stand up paddle-out was just a small step towards taking a stand for change, I look forward to sharing the importance of keeping surfing clean, legal and a choice for all local surfers and future surfers," said Pribram.
Deur added "We are very please with decision of the Parks District to allow surfing in the city of Chicago...it's a great opportunity to prove ourselves to the CPD and the community that we are respectful stewards of the beaches..."
James Pribram is best known for his philanthropic and environmental endeavors through his Eco-Warrior project. Through the project, Pribram works with developers and government officials to solve a variety of environmental problems that endanger the ocean.
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