Katie Roberts

How Jack Johnson's Music Heals the Ocean

One of the most influential parts of Jack Johnson’s music and activism surrounding environmental awareness is his background in surfing. Johnson is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, most known for one of the world’s most dangerous wave breaks “pipeline,” because of how close it breaks to the shallows of the reefs. He grew up lucky enough to have “pipeline” in his backyard, surfing every day. Because of this Johnson began his surfing career at age 5, becoming the youngest invitee ever to Pipeline Masters at age 17. Pipeline Masters is a 50-year tradition that is known as one of the most prestigious competitions in surfing, where its champions go on to make history in the surfing world. Pipeline is a place that brings joy yet can also end careers, it is where Johnson suffered a severe, near-deadly injury in 1992. Pipeline is where Johnson started his competitive career in surfing and where it ultimately ended. During the recovery process of his injuries, Johnson decided to take up music after finding it was his hidden talent. Even though he does not competitively surf anymore, the culture and sport of surfing are still heavily influential in Johnson’s current life.