We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Klubock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all started with a love for the ocean

In 1991, Michael Klubock, a sailor turned environmental educator, channeled his love for the beach into the creation of a school assembly education effort. He wanted to get more kids to the beach and in touch with nature. While developing and presenting the program to the schools, he established the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education and Kids Ocean Day. Since then, Kids Ocean Day has expanded along the length of the California coast, from Humboldt County to San Francisco, south to Huntington Beach and San Diego and across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

The Malibu Foundation
for Environmental Education

The Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education is a 501(c)3 organization that grew out of Michael Klubock’s very wet immersion in the Pacific Ocean off the beach in Malibu. Sailing his Hobie 16 as fast as he could, eye to eye, with a dolphin, re-ignited his long time love of the ocean as a kid from New England. As he came ashore, he noticed trash on the beach and started doing some clean-ups. Michael wanted to do something about taking care of his love. He also wanted to share his love and get a few folks to help.

Sometimes sharing what you love can be as easy as opening a gate. That simple act happened many years ago. Michael reached out to a group called Best Buddies to invite them to bring a group of physically-challenged kids to the Malibu Yacht Club’s beach. Parents, kids and buddies showed up with volleyball nets, picnic supplies and games.

After a while a parent came up to Michael with tears in her eyes, and thanked him. She shared that in all the years with her child she had never seen him play and interact with other kids like he had that day. This was a major turning point for Michael and led him down the path of what we know today as Kids Ocean Day!
“Malibu” is a term from the local, indigenous Chumash people meaning “Where the surf sounds loudly” and “Where the mountains meet the sea.”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

30 years ago It all started with a love for the ocean

In 1991, Michael Klubock, a sailor turned environmental educator, channeled his love for the beach into the creation of a school assembly education effort. He wanted to get more kids to the beach and in touch with nature. While developing and presenting the program to the schools, he established the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education and Kids Ocean Day. Since then, Kids Ocean Day has expanded along the length of the California coast, from Humboldt County to San Francisco, south to Huntington Beach and San Diego and across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was brought up in Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts and was surrounded by beaches, ocean and boating. After a stint in NYC in the 70’s I headed off to Club Med for a couple of years and taught sailing in French. After I arrived in LA, worked on game shows and headed for the beaches of Malibu on a Hobie 16. As the Commodore of the Malibu Yacht Club I sailed with the dolphins. The trash I saw on the beach motivated me to share the litter message with kids for the past 30 years.

Many people ask how get to speak to over 700,00 kids and get over 100,000 to the beach. I always answer go to one teacher with your idea and ask to share. Then another and then another. After awhile it mounts up.

My message has been very simple. Show someone something they love, show it being damaged and then give them something to do about it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kidsoceanday.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsoceanday/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsoceanday
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kidsoceanday
• Other: TikToc https://www.tiktok.com/@kidsoceanday

Image Credits
Kids Ocean Day