David Chokachi is most well-known for his role as Cody Madison trolling the shore for lives to save on Baywatch, but his genuine interest in beaches, the ocean and animal life has been the subplot of his real life. This surfer dude is a serious environmentalist whose work has been honored with a Keeper of the Coast award from the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit that protects the oceans and who has served as a volunteer for the Friends Animal Sanctuary.
This past weekend he paddleboarded 30 miles across Cape Cod Bay from his hometown of Plymouth, Mass. to Provincetown to raise money for Christopher’s Haven, which provides temporary lodging for families of cancer patients.
Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about David Chokach as he answers Tonic’s Really Good Q&A.
Tonic: What cause is near and dear to your heart?
DC: For sure the environment, especially the oceans and also animals. I work a lot with Surfrider Foundation, Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s Waterkeeper Alliance, The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Project Save Our Surf.
I grew up on the ocean, and with Baywatch, and another series called Beyond the Break that I starred in, (which was shot on location in Hawaii and revolved around surfing), my love of the ocean just keep growing. Now I am an avid surfer and I scuba dive, sail and I want to enjoy clean oceans, but I also want to pass on clean oceans and beaches to future generations.
We rescued our dog five years ago and she is the best thing that ever happened to us. She is such an amazing friend and companion. I am on the Honorary Committee for Best Friends Animal Society, which I have been involved with for 13 years. I recently got involved in a charity called Animal Acres, here in LA, and I have done lots of work with specific shelters across the Unites States. I have been around dogs and cats and other animals all my life. I rescued our cat from a storm drain. His name is Stormy.
Tonic: What was your most recent random act of kindness?
DC: Nothing that really stands out, however, I try and live my life with a certain responsibility, in which I don’t think twice about helping someone out. Anything from holding a door for someone on crutches or just picking up some trash when I am out surfing (I always pick up and put in my board shorts one piece of trash from the ocean every time I surf.) I don’t do this for selfish reasons. I do it because it makes the world a slightly better place.
Tonic: Where did you first learn about giving back?
DC: From my parents. My mom continues to donate her time, right now she is working with a whale conservation program. Also, my dad, who was a general surgeon, was unique in the sense that he really cared about his patients and he wanted to get to know them, have a real understanding of who they were and what they like to do, etc. It’s great to witness this because you just don’t get that kind of personal care when you go to the doctor’s office in today’s world.
Tonic: What activist/philanthropist most inspires you?
DC: Bobby Kennedy Jr.! He is an amazing individual who sacrifices a lot for the environment. I have traveled to South America with him and gone rafting on class 5 rapids in Chile and when he is outdoors, he is like an over-grown kid — and that enthusiasm for nature and protecting our resources is very contagious. He is extremely knowledgeable and very passionate about the environment and I have heard him speak on a number of occasions. When you hear him speak, you get fired up and you want to follow him into battle!
Tonic: What are you hopeful for?
DC: A world where people realize we are living on a planet with finite resources and we have to take action to protect those resources. I am hopeful that people will learn to care more and give back when they can and be compassionate for their fellow man.
Tonic: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
DC: I would change people’s perception … people need to understand that one person can make a difference. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the negativity in the world — the Gulf oil spill, etc. but we cannot roll over, we have to fight harder when something like this happens. I always come across people who will throw some small piece of trash out on the sidewalk or something and they feel like it’s okay because it’s just one person. Well that works both ways, if that person does not litter, that’s one less piece of trash in the environment and that is also contagious. One person can make a difference in a positive way!
Tonic: How have you made your life greener?
DC: Well, besides donating a fair amount of time to some of the charities I mentioned, I partake in beach clean ups and try to lead by example. We drive a hybrid for a vehicle. We have all low flush, energy efficient appliances. We live in Los Angeles where water is a big issue so we put in a lot of drought tolerant plants. We also installed a tankless water heater which saves a lot of water and energy. I try and ride my bike to yoga or ride my bike to run some errands. Nothing major, but I try my best and I am always looking to learn more and find new ways to live a greener life.
Tonic: What is your guilty eco-offense?
DC: Hmmm? I need white noise to sleep so I have to run a fan or air purifier to sleep at night.
Tonic: What’s the one thing you want to do before you die?
DC: Sail around the world. Stopping at all of the most beautiful islands and countries and go surfing and diving.
Tonic: What’s the best good advice you ever received?
To thine own self be true.
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Photo courtesy of David Chokachi.