Editorial
Surfing a natural for Island phys ed

State Board of Education member Donna Ikeda had it right when she said this about the idea of putting surfing on the list of physical education classes offered in our public schools:

"Surfing is and has been a part of our tradition through history. It seems to me that in this case, rather than looking at why it can't happen, we ought to look for ways to make it happen."

Right on.

There is every reason in the world why surfing should be an official part of the P.E. curriculum in Hawai'i.

It isn't offered today primarily because of fears about safety and liability.

These are legitimate concerns, but they can be met. Many of the sports offered to high school athletes present the possibility of injury. It rarely happens because the sanctioned sports are well supervised, the athletes are well-trained and -coached and safety rules are strictly enforced.

That would be the case if surfing were offered as an elective P.E. program. If fact, the prospect would be for less injury if surfing took place under controlled and school-supervised circumstances.

Yes there are costs. Yes there are concerns.

But let's find a way to get past these and make surfing a vital part of the physical education of Island youngsters.