A Surf Shop Saved My Life

On Sunday morning I happened to surf out in front of Bruce Jones surf shop in Sunset Beach. Something I have not done in years. About a half an hour into my session I caught a wave and ended up stubbing my toe doing a floater. As I rode in the white wash I looked down and saw that my toe was bleeding. Suprised, I quickly stepped off my board to look at it. I then stepped directly on a stingray and immediately felt the sting. "Damnit." The sting didn't hurt at all but I knew what was to come. I started to rack my brain searching for a solution to my problem. There were no lifguards around and I didn't haver to pee so I just started running up the beach to my car. Then it came to me, "Bruce Jones will save me." I knew that my good buddy and exceptional surfer Jon Shelton would be working. I told Jon my predicament and he sprang into action. He emerged from the back of the shop with an old trash can full of hot water. He had to heat the water in the microwave using small Styrofoam cups. As soon as my foot entered the water the pain subsided. He let me hang in the shop and soak my foot while we watched the finals of the US Open online. Needless to say I was blown away by his generosity and willingness to help. I have grown up around surf shops my whole life and this is a great example of the family dynamic surfers have with their local shops. Thanks Jon and thank you Bruce Jones for all the years of service and generosity. Here is a good shot of Jon doing his thing.