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After giving it some consideration, I have decided that we could all benefit from taking up surfing ? more importantly, so could our planet.

Why, you ask? Well, in many ways, believe it or not, I have found surfers to be the most environmentally conscious people around.

Today is Earth Day, a day for people around the world to "celebrate the earth and to renew their commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world".

And, really, who better to learn from than a group of people who not only enjoy their environment but also give it due respect.

Pro surfer Kelly Slator once said: "I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it's almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time".

Most surfers I have spoken to seem to live by this same ideal. They see the ocean as a place where they are allowed to be a part of nature without being obtrusive.

When they put on those wetsuits and paddle out, they must adapt and learn to understand the ocean.

In that way they eventually become as much a part of the ocean as they will ever be, and mother nature accepts them and allows them to enjoy it.

This is evident in those moments we have often seen captured on film of dolphins and seals riding the waves alongside the surfers.

Even outside the water surfers seem to have a general respect for nature.

I have been to many events and parties where they have used their talent out in the water or their general love of a good party to raise money and awareness for environmental causes.

Whether it's cleaning beaches or saving wildlife, they always seem to play their part, in a sense saying to mother nature, you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Does that mean that everyone should now run out and buy a board? Of course not.

But in the same way that surfers respect their environment, the rest of us need to follow.

We each need to be reminded that this planet we live in is a gift, not a possession.

It is not something we can break now and fix later. Damage has already been done, that much we know.

But each of us need to start picking up the pieces that are left if we are ever to heal our planet.

Oh man, I really sound like a tree hugger now ? but in all honesty, when I look around and see the things that are going on around us, I can begin to understand those people, once considered crazy, who used to chain themselves to trees in the forest.

Whether we are in the ocean or on the land, we need to begin each day with a new respect for our surroundings. My best friend has had a poster on her wall for as long as I can remember, and each time I visit I find myself reading it. It is known as a Native American Indian Prayer, or the 10 Indian commandments.

I believe the Native Americans have a worldly wisdom and connection with nature that many of us cannot understand. Even if you don't agree, I think we could all find a little of that "surfer soul" if lived by these principles: Remain close to the Great Spirit.

Show Great respect for your fellow beings. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Be truthful and honest at all times. Do what you know to be right. Look after the wellbeing of mind and body. Treat the earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Take full responsibility for your actions. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

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