By Dita Marina
When I first met Michael Pless Sr., it was because my BF found a leash of his laying on the concrete wall when walked up boyfriend Michael with that custom made green leash attached to his boogie board. Michael made a comment to him about that being his leash!
The good news is that my BF’s leash was returned with a handshake and a smile. Not long after that I met Michael Senior and Michael Junior and established a special friendship and bond.
There are so many reasons why Michael is known as the “Saint of Seal Beach”. In many ways he is like a pastor attending and watching over his flock who are taking surfing lessons or renting boards and wet suits.
Michael is magical because when he is talking to us, it is with his bright as the sun smile. He brightens and blesses our lives and make us feel special.
If there ever was a proverbial “fountain of advice” with best intentions and good humor, Michael generously hands it out and all is good. Most days he is in front of his big white M & M Surfing School van, having fun in the sun working with his son Michael Jr. and manager, who is a lucky man named Chris Laber.
To really see Michael at his lofty best is when he is working and teaching the kids who take surfing lessons where they have lots of fun thrill riding those waves. What is really so special is when the children’s parents arrive to pick them up. The joy and happiness of the “fun kid show” happens as the wetsuits are being taken off and many break out dancing and laughing.
I will sign off here saying that if you or anyone you know love the ocean and the joy of the sand a surf and fancy a wet water thrill ride, do think about coming down to the north side of the pier to meet Michael Pless.
You can meet him and see for yourself why he is well known, admired and widely respected and is Seal Beach’s gold and the “saint of Seal Beach.”
