1st Reef Check Ocean Festival Held in Malibu

Santa Ana winds weren’t strong enough to keep people away from the Reef Check Ocean Festival and “Surf’s Up” screening held on October 6th at Malibu Bluffs Park. The event hosted a variety of activities for children and adults alike, from a touch tank with sharks and starfish and other cool things at the Reef Check tent to booths hosted by the Junior Lifeguards, Cabrillo Marine Museum and Star Ecostation, which included various exotic animals from talking parrots to a komodo dragon. Volunteers were also on site, encouraging everyone in attendance to sign the International Declaration of Reef Rights.

Nickelodeon stars Rachel Sibner, Rob Pinkston, Daniel Lee Curtis and Reef Check ‘s very own volunteer intern Kyle Swann from the TV show “Ned’s Declassified” were present to sign autographs, and Sony Entertainment brought some fun of their own in the form of character “Cody the penguin,” who was available for meet and greets and photos. Sony animators David Stodolny and Sylvain Deboissy had their own table, drawing penguins and other “Surf’s Up” characters for the kids.

Nightfall brought even more entertainment on the main stage, from the eloquent and graceful movements of Thai dance group Mantra Theatre to the energy-packed punch of teen sensation singer Monet Monico. Monet kept the young crowd pumped with songs such as “Little Old Me” and “Watch Me Dance.”

Strong winds started to kick up even before Monet’s set was up and before long the 50-foot inflatable movie screen that was scheduled to show “Surf’s Up” began to sway and collapse in the wind. It wasn’t long before the movie was canceled and the screen pulled down, much to the disappointment and dismay of the audience. The day was saved, however, by in-attendance “Surf’s Up” producer Chris Jenkins and director Chris Buck, who announced that every household in attendance would receive a free copy of the then yet-unreleased DVD of “Surf’s Up.” Despite the strong winds and the movie cancelation, everyone seemed to be blown away by this great event and the free movie that resulted. Thanks to everyone who came out!

Many thanks to the following for their support: 3D Entertainment, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Candy Carousel, City of Malibu, Daniel Lee Curtis, Jimmy Wald, Kyle Swann, Leo Carrillo Junior Lifeguards, Mantra Theatre, Malibu Times, Mama Rita’s, Matunas, Michael Sena, Monet Monico, Quality Marine, Rachel Sibner, Rob Pinkston, Sony Pictures Animation, STAR ECO Station, UV Natural, Waste Management, and You’re A Natural.