Flea, Stay on the road to recovery as it works ! March 25th, 2009 I will be 19 years clean and sober. Started surfing at 62 years of age and the spiritual connection experienced was the same when I started on my road to recovery. The best to you on the happy road of destiny. Robert Lombard

Flea and Pete, cant say that i ever was a big fan of either of you. My formative years as a surfer were your big mid-late nineties high profile years. As I write this I am going thru a divorce. This divorce has been of my own doing thru my own addictions. I have given up the woman and child that I love for my vice. My vice is alcohol and it has been equally destructive for me as meth has for the two of you. Thank you for your story Flea. Pete I am surprised by your story. What a ballsy thing to do, to share this with other people, to try to give other people hope despite the consequences to yourself. God bless the both of you. I really needed to see this article tonight.

I admire Flea and Peter as dominant surfers whom I have had the pleasure of watching emerge in the highly competitive Santa Cruz environment. Life is a learning process, and sometimes learning comes the hard way. Life is also a process of making choices, and I have no doubt that these two alpha males will make better choices, and go forward to do even better surfing, as better individuals. I started my surfing path in the sixties and both reveled in, crashed, and escaped the drug scene by stepping back and looking for a way to improve my mindset, instead of distorting it. For me, the way to rehab was via Transcendental Meditation, Yoga, a strength fitness regime, natural nutrition—and avoiding drugs and alcohol. I didn't change friends, I changed myself. I share this with you guys because it has paid off immensely in every area of my life—but especially longevity. You both have plenty of time to rebuild, and it will happen faster than you think, if you commit the same way you commit to paddling out at

Keep Going Flea!!, i´m from Venezuela and your history is so familiar to us, yeah he only have a few months sober, but with the distractions of all that "FLEA-HAB", you will put your mind in other things besides drugs, down here we saw you in magazines, and you are a badass drugs or not, so blesses for you, and Keep Going Sober MI PANA!!!

What a waist!

Thanks to everyone for all the support, i'm actually getting together my first flea-hab for my friends that have problems with drinking and drugs, i had 7 months clean today (march 5th). It takes a lot of work but it's worth it. I have been surfing every day, feeling good everyday, feling tired every day, and when i have a headache, its a natural one. Surfer Magazine has been very helpful, and i think that this needs to be addresssed more, almost a monthly thing, because this ain't just a santa cruz thing, This ain;t just a big wave thing, this happens in every community, and every counry. This t doesn't need to be brushed under the rug any longer. The surfing community wants to see a change.The industry is good at brushing it under the rug, because they are all for getting sponsee's lubed up to sign autographs, Never once did any of my sponsors pull me aside and let me know that i had a problem, and none of them gave me thje opportunity to get clean or go to rehab, to keep my job. No

nothing like a hard-hitting after-the-fact story about a punk propped up by sponsors no matter the cost. Where was surfer when Flea and Mel were doing all this stuff (other than pumping them to sell mags)? I hope Flea finds his place - I just hope he can deal with things when he finds out his place is at the bottom of life's ladder.

Flea we're proud of you! You could've been another statistic. Keep up the good work. It takes a real man to admit his wrongs & to actually do something about it. I know it's hard but whenever you get tempted just think: Do I choose the path of life or do I choose a slow & horrible death? Be strong brother!

Flea & Pete: Thanks for stepping up and sacking up and telling your stories. To all the critics, these guys are men, nothing more and nothing less...who amongst you walks on water and multiplies fish & bread for a living? I do not know Flea well, but do know Pete a wee bit and withour hesitation I am proud to know him and have seen first hand how much he loves his family. Aloha men!

These guys ride really big waves. I wish the best for Flea in his quest for sobriety and good health. I think 95 percent of the people in the world are on some sort of drugs. It has been the stimulus package for many decades...

A prayer just raised for Flea and Peter. -keep goin'. persevere. it's worth it.

Very interesting to read about the issues Flea is now dealing with and I wish him well with his fight against addiction. Now here's the thought which prompted me to respond to the article....How talented must this guy be to ride the waves he does whilst off his face on meth?!!!! (or used to be).

Keep at it Flea .....One day at a time ......I'm an east coast surfer from Greenback Surf Club .......Sober for over 14 years. I think Flea-hab can be good as we have to freely give what we have been given ..........Peace

this story might have just saved my life

awesome work flea!!! truly amazing ~ inspiring story!!! i know you are going to be very successful in life and help many others to be successful and clean!!! you are doing very good things by sharing your story and i imagine it's not easy to share the darkest moments of your life but by doing so you will find the light and help others find the light!!! you are an amazing being and are in my thoughts and prayers!!! keep doing what you're doing!!! i wish you the very very best in life!!! peace and much love!!! :):):)

Flea, I just wanted to wish you all the best on your road to recovery. There will likely be bumps and pains along the way but trust in the process. No amount of $$ or no sponsorship or the size of any wave is more important than what you are giving yourself right now. I live in SC and see you around from time to time and i look forward to the next time i see you happy and healthy. Keep surfing and i wish you all the best.......

Check out the movie about Flea. It's www.thewestsiders.com It's got the whole back story. Enjoy Thanks, Josh

Right on peter n flea! your courage helps me thru another day we need fleahab in hawaii

Keep it up guys! You'll both be better for it than any wave either of you have ever rode. Thanks for the courage it took to do this. Thank god someone finally f-ing said it! it needed to be said.

Mel and Flea, don't listen to stu's negativity. I remember your guys Maverick's rides from mags and witnessed Mel charging thick, choppy, pipe a few times in person. I was a teen at the time and even made small talk with Mel on the beach. I had no idea about the drugs. I actually had a few experiences with meth, and a few really bad ones too. Luckily, I pulled out of all of it early on, sober ever since aside from greens :) Anyway, your idea is badly needed! Keep striving to make it a reality! You would definately inspire many to get off and get back to reality and get busy rebuilding. I'm sure you would find no better satisfaction from saving many lives! Hopefully you can find some sort of federal grant, and maybe hold fundraisers/charity events to get your idea started. Good luck to the both of you, and keep surfing!

Way to go Mel and Flea. My life story is sort of similar to you guys, I used drugs. As surfer, artist, and designer, my path to recovery wasn't easy. I used drugs when I was at artschool. To tell u the truth, drugs didn't help me at all to do good art. It actually ruin a part of my life. But now my life is better I finish school and I been surfing every morning when I get a chance from doing freelance graphic design. And the paddle out is much better with clear head. And when I go out with friends I don't even drink, my choice of drink would be a plain WATER or Coca Cola or Pepsi. Now that's hard core. I been sober for 15 years and I like to keep that way until I die. And I'm a Half Moon Bay LOCAL via San Mateo. But now I live by Imperial Beach, CA. Now I'm LOCAL of Imperial Beach. Way to go Surfermag.com. Post more awareness about drug use in the surfing community. We need to hear about it. Mahalo.....n....Aloha......

all things work for good to those that love the Lord - even if you don't know Jesus i encourage you both to seek Him - it was thorugh Him that you have come this far and He has a plan and purpose for your lives to reach young people - i know 25 years of doing drugs - from 11 -36 and Jesus changed my life in an instant - no 12 steps or rehab just surrendered my life and asked Him to be Lord of my life - He will do same to you. bless.

Flea, Very glad that you are on the road to mind and body recovery. Reality is not easy for anyone and I commend you for engaging it. You will go through many challenges and the waves will help with washing some of those pains away. I hope to see more of you at the Slot boosting!!! Pete, Wow.

Great story about success and excess. Rehab... well I used to live in Santa Cruz before and after the quake and the town is very special to me. One of the reasons SC fell under the curse of meth is the groups of biker gangs producing it in the local mountains. I left SC before things got as bad as they did. As long as these idiots are allowed to make meth there will be a problem. No amount of rehab is going to make a dent. You need to cut off the snake's head. Anyone caught with a pipe or dealing should get two years in the Marines and not allowed to return to SC for ten years. How many people did Mel and Flea lead down the wrong path? The best rehab for SC is to get serious about users, dealers no matter how good they surf. Considering the town and it's liberal political nature I doubt very much can be done. I do believe extreme action needs to be taken with drugs. At least Mel is being realistic, Flea trying to reinvent himself after a few months of sobriety is dangerous to himself and the community

To be quite honest Im touched by all of your comments even the salty ones. Meth was a part of life in the last couple years. And you have to remember I've been surfing out there for 18 years so there were plenty of differrent states surfing the heavest wave in the world. You guys keep surfing. And always remember stay calm in heavy situations in live. sometimes theres nothing you can do so don't weist that energy or air. sincerely Darryl a Virostko

Flea and Peter, thanks ALOT for sharing your hardships and being tremendously humble. I know Flea's rep isn't the best, but I've seen a better side. After being interviewed on that foggy massive day at Mav's (40' West-Dec. 4th,07'), you went out of your way to inspire me. I was getting my mind together, stretching, and basically preparing for my possible death. You deliberately walked over near me & muttered the word "paddle" under your breath as you passed by. I was completely blown away. I've always felt like an outsider and at that moment I felt like I was respected as a fellow waterman, which is all I've ever wanted my whole life. I believe this helped give me the extra push I needed since, as Nathan confirmed later, I was the only one to paddle out from land that day. I ended up getting into one on the inside section, air dropped, landed it, and my life has never been the same. Mahalo for going out of your way to push someone you don't even know-helping solid

Keep at it flea! Ive lost two close friends to drugs and have several who are wasting away.. doing what I can to help them but its not easy if theyre not willing to help themselves. It takes real courage to step up to the plate like you have and hope you find strength in the support behind you. The surf industry has to take some responsibility for the welfare of their riders, not just support their careers but provide help when necessary because after all, no matter how high you can boost an air, you're still human. MUCH RESPECT to flea and mel. Brings all my own problems into perspective! I really hope the surf industry take notice of this.

Goodluck and all the best to you Flea and Peter. You made the right choice and wish you the very best. The issue I have is that it seems hypocritical of the surf industry in general to treat their most precious assets to peddle products and so such disregard it makes me sick to my stomach. The industry needs to take a long hard look at itself and change completely as it has gotten all about profit and selling the "surfer lifestyle" to the clueless public who have no idea of what it takes to surf waves like Flea and Peter. Phew, always good to get it off your chest. Ming

Really inspirational stuff. Darryl, it's great to see that you've been humbled and are open to different perspectives. More importantly, your accountability will help you stay on a good path. Keep listening, but don't let the naysayers bring you down. Your story is important, but it does not define who you really are. What matters is here and now, and all things going forward. You can always restore your integrity - we do it every day. Just remember that anybody who has your balls and ambition to push the limits can do extraordinarily positive things in life outside of surfing. Believe that. Peter, I was also unaware of your story - kudos to you for rethinking your priorities, namely your mental and physical health and the relationship with your family. As for the industry, I've also heard about rampant drug use amongst certain groups. Unfortunately, this is an issue that transcends the surfing world and touches all cultures. Perhaps it's time we all owned up to our roles in perpe

Flea, Peter, glad to hear y'all are getting your act together. The book says its point is to make it possible for us to be of maximum service to God and our fellow man. That is a high aspiration, but very possible-things are exactly the way they are supposed to be, but there is always room for improvement. I don't mean to be a drag but the book also says...Tradition 11 : "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films". If you start acting like a sober person, people will wonder what happened and ask you. Then you can do the next right thing and disclose your story, in a general way: what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now. There is more to the program than the steps. It is about practicing true humility. Try sponsoring someone before you open a rehab. Best thing to do (for anyone) is get a competent sponsor, work the steps, and "practice these principles in

Great story ,Mel and Flea you guys have alot of courage ,stay strong.Bless you jack for giving back to the surf community.I remember a differant end to some great surfers like buttons k. and others. Ice is a visious bitch and is an epidemic on the islands we got a responsabillity to the kids to get rid of poison in the streets. Keep up the good fight!!

Flea you are an remarkable person. I hark back to the original time you dazed me. You came to six grade with a colossal shiner on your eye, so gigantic nearly all kids would have stayed home, but you wore it like a badge of valor. Everyone gathered around you as you told us a story. You were surfing middle peak. Each person was in awe of you then and we are still in wonder of you. It was a heart braking time when you were obsessed with drugs, those close to you were terrified to talk to you about the problem because we didn't want to lose your friendship. But the heartbreak was unbearable and they couldn't hold their silence. But it was your responsibility and you made the verdict, just like riding big waves fearlessly, you checked your self in. When you determined this is wrong and I must transform. Your nickname may be The Flea but your heart is hardly the dimension of a Flea, it's the mass of a giant. Skye NS Pat are proud. Much Love to you Flea. Sincerely, Pomer

Remember all those guys you ridiculed and degraded while you surfed a wave count 5 times as much as the normal surfer? You probably don't but I am sure they remember, no matter what you think there are more people that hate your person and mannerisms that are inspired by your surfing. To them and many others your situation is karma played out to perfection and justice at its finest. Instead of your story how about the story of someone that didn't waste their talent and their life.

Jay Adams got out last year! you guysshould get him to come talk if there is anybody who got dealt a shity hand its him! him and hasoi would be good peeps to go to fleahab and help out!

Flea, when I first started surfing I remember seeing a picture of you dropping into an absolute bomb at Mavericks. I thought, "Holy crap, that is so intense. That guy must have the biggest pair on the planet." Reading this article reaffirmed that for me. I can't imagine how heavy it has been to bare yourself in an article like this, to choose sobriety, and to stick with it. Surfing, nature, community...these things have saved my life, and it sounds like they saved yours. The way you charge waves and the way you are charging your life is an inspiration. Thank you, and keep passing it on man. You have a lot to give.

Flea, I used to live across the street from you and saw first hand how hard you and your friends used to party. I truly hope that you can use that energy to stay clean and sober. Lots of kids used to look up to you, now maybe they can again for the right reasons. My thoughts are with you!

Flea, I'll say a prayer for you and Mel. Hopefully, your story will help some of the kids following in your foot steps. Kudos to Surfer for running the article, which will also bring awareness for others facing these same challenges. God bless both of you!

good to hear you got off of it guys. that nasty stuff has been an epidemic for too long now. just dont take this too far and try to start pushing christ on people. 12 step programs are scary like that.

darryl, what pomer said rings true, and those who know you know that you have a presence that fills the room and an even bigger heart. sometimes living next to you makes me feel tiny in comparison, but the respect you give is unmatchable. i believed in you when i knew that you wanted to get clean, and i believe i you now that you want to help so many others. when you take the time to improve yourself it helps me and inspires me to look at my own faults and habits. i know that you changed the way i see partying, and that will make it easier for me to focus in life. mostly i am touched by the prayers that have been sent your way. anyone that can bring people together in prayer is a true giant.

Good to see you're on the road to recovery. You're definetly a core surfer who rips hard. I've surfed with you many times at The Lane and you kill it. I hope you stay on the right track and set a good example for your youngest brother and all the other upcommers. I know he really looks up to you. My son and he go to school together. So keep up the good fight and set a good example for all the younger kids in Santa Cruz. You're role model for a lot of kids.

'every man will make mistakes in Life, the core of every man, is how he corrects those mistakes'!!! 'surfing is a way of life,life is a way of surfing'!!! hailyeahsurf 'hana hou nalu'!!!sunset beach

Great article.

Thanks for the honesty, guys. As a former peer, I am glad someone finally got honest about "our" problem. Unfortunately for us, Pete and Flea are only the tip of the iceburg. The real question to me is 1) when is the professional surf community going to face the fact that meth is a performance enhancement drug? After all Bud Selig was just fine with Sosa and Bonds hittin homers because it saved baseball, but how do they look now? With that in mind, 2) There are quite a few of us "adults" who fully participate in the industry and have watched you industry folks turning the other direction for a decade now, and frankly hope all of you get yours for turning your back on these guys when they needed you! Step-up! The Santa Cruz/Hawaii connection will only get worse, and we'll see how the Hui likes it when the cartels show up in their territory and they are all too rocked out to know better. Quick, Billabong, and Volcom, your boys need help and you know it...Blessings to Flea and Pet

This sucks man, when i was a teenager growing up in the 1990's all i did was surf every day and dream of surfing all night, i read every mag when it came out and looked at big wave guys like you and thought you guys were the most in-shape clear headed men on the planet, my dad was a drug attic on speed and never gave a shit about me or that i was good at surfing or going to watch me surf ever. my mom was dead and i have no bros/sisters, i used to look up to these guys-Flea and Mel and would never in a million years guess they were on the same drugs as the guy i hated- my father, anyway thanks for really showing me how twisted and fucked this world is, Im 28 years old and all i know is that kids shouldn't look up to anyone but yourself because chances are whoever your looking up to is really not what you think they are.

gifted, blessed and so fucking stupid. This guy had the world by the balls and he through it all away for "THE BATHTUB DRUG." Stay clean Flea.

"When in doubt give a shout out". Remember Flea that your friends (Pomer) and family are your life support on your road to recovery. The demon of addiction is just sitting on the sidelines doing push ups waiting for "US" to stumble. When the urge arises, and it will, be sure to pick up the phone and talk with someone.

gifted, blessed and so fucking stupid. This guy had the world by the balls and he through it all away for "THE BATHTUB DRUG." Stay clean Flea.

p.s. like the photo

this is life.comming from humbolt there isnt much of a surf seen.flea,ruffo,and loya would come up to see loyas uncle.when i was 12 ruffo gave me a board of his.from that day on i have made surfing my holy grail.it was my way to be me.i spent time on the north shore with all the s.c. boys when i was 19.they were surf stars.but they understood me.where i grew up,how i grew up.they were friends.know im all fuckn grown up.three mortgages and a new baby on the way.i still talk to the boys and have a place next to legendary surfer shaper vince collier.vince talks alot of flea.he loves flea like a son/buddy.flea and pete have been through alot.what flea is doing know i can only show respect for.the santa cruz boys are the only group of surfers how have a hall pass in so hum.the rest havnt earned it(macnamera or what ever you stole me and leals avos at daveys so fuck off!)thanks for being flea.....p.s. lay off on the slab...sunnyday onthe mattoleriver(real name)

'every man will make mistakes in Life, the core of every man, is how he corrects those mistakes'!!! 'surfing is a way of life,life is a way of surfing'!!! hailyeahsurf 'hana hou nalu'!!!sunset beach

dont EVER be like: 'oh yah, i got this one, this is easy'. IT will try to find a way back in. in ways you wont even see coming. IT will be with you for life, NEVER goes away. i had 5 years and blew it. 6,7 months clean is baby babble. KEEP AT IT. going for sober the 2nd time around has many more very difficult levels you dont even want to deal with. KEEP THIS ONE!

darryl and pete... thanks for the truth about yourselves. welcome and keep on comming it works... I am a nor cal native who left to new jersey to make sure i was part of my sons life. my demons came with me and it wasn't until a near death experience that i too realized i was sick and tired. one simple day at time is all it takes. keep paddling, keep living, stay humble and help others to help yourself. you two are good men. keep your memories green and remeber you can have that misery back with interest anytime you want. carry on with the courage. ps the waves in new jersey and the east coast are not a bad as you were led to believe... ice cream headaches in Nor-Cal are the same out here... its just good to be a surfer... photos, sponsors, and privledge are the perks of you being good at what you love in the first place. keep doing what you love.

Flea. There is a saying i use in my everyday life: "its not how you fall down, its how you get back up that matters most". Clearly you have fallen down and all you have accomplished in life is in question. I am routing for you to get back on track and re-emerge as a charger clean and sober, prove the doubters. More importantly, i am routing for "flea-hab" and you as a human being. You can do a lot of good. Best Regards and take it one day at a time.

Flea your an inspiration, watchin you at Mavs was stuff of dreams! We all make mistakes and it takes a strong man to admit to them and recover from them! So keep the head up, shoulders back and eyes straight ahead!! As they say, Jesus hates a Pussy so dont pussy out now!

Flea, I can't say that I have ever been a fan. You have dropped in on me quite a few times over the years, and I have never been impressed by you as a person. Good luck with all of this though. I wish you the best.

you guys have always been fearless so why should sobriety scare you?

albert einstein said something like great oppurtunities arise during the hardest challenges - Flea hab sounds like a really good idea

What up Flea! You probably don't remember me, we had a drink at ASR, San Diego,1999. I too had struggled with ICE. Got so paranoid that I quit my job, 17 yrs., and had to start over. But, one thing that kept me strong was the OCEAN. I never gave up on my faith and my abilities. Nobody can take your soul, except the ICE. Keep surfing my brother and keep charging BIG Waves, that,s what you do best. The surfing world needs guys like you. Sean Malabanan, Imperial Beach Local.

Ive never seen anyone charge big waves like Flea at huge Mavericks. Your ability in the Ocean is a gift that raised the level, showing we can charge whatever hell-day the ocean has. There are secrets to beating demons like this - prayer, fasting, helping others was my cousin's way off heroin and a national record dosage on methadone. May Flea-hab bring more surfers out of the devils grip to charge hell barrels - and I believe you can champion that cause and be a giant killer on land as you have always been with the Ocean. More power to you Flea. Trust few of the sponsors can get you a new 4WD.

I was doing some work for the rehab center when Flea was there. I was eating lunch outside and saw him there, so I sat next to him and talked with him a little. It was the saddest thing, to see someone of his talent reduced to that. He sure didn't seem like the celebrity surf champion we all have heard about, that's for sure. It kind of reminded me of when Darryl Strawberry & Dwight Gooden had their drug struggles. Such talent gone to waste. It was a real shame. I hope that Flea has a full recovery and rips it up when Mavs is pumping.

Flea , recovery is the best thing that ever happened to me. I was a meth junky from the age of 40-45 when I got clean & sober. I'm 50 now with 5 years clean and I'm surfing like crazy. I paddle out almost every day. Bali last June, North shore big sunset last November, and planning a trip to Mentawis this coming August. Hope your new life in recovery is as good as the life I'm experiencing. Happy, Joyous, and Free or Jails, Institutions, and Death? The lie is dead!

wassup Flea, used to surf with you on the westside when I was a grom, off the wall, at casinos, mitchels, fingerbowl, up north. Were the same age, we used to occupy the same space, hit uppercrust, the boardwalk, derby. Sometimes I think the only reason I didn't blow it was that I left Cali after highschool, moved to Maui, and found a great wife early on. Having purpose to life makes you do it, cruising with the crew beyond highschool caps you pretty quick. Its he same all over, just go down to Hookipa and you see it happen to kids in each new generation. Surf rehab is brilliant, surfing can occupy you, channel you, de toxify you, and can pass out some lumps when needed. Anything I can do to help with concept, ads, creative strategy, contact me at carbajaldesigns.com. Aloha + a hui ho.

Flea and Peter, you have had plenty of 2 wave hold downs and have been near the bottom many times. You know how to handle it like few humans on this planet ever will. This will make you stronger and more successful in the surfing world and we are with you. Keep on paddling. S.

I never predict who will and who will not make it out there. I know that everyone has a chance and a choice. Flea, I am proud of you. You have taken full advantage of both. I just wanted to shout out and say "what up", keep it real and be good. tell your lady friend I said hi if all is good.

It's always easier for the self-righteous to point the finger at others. It takes plenty of growing up to own up to our self-inflicted predicaments. I hope you hang in there, and later have the chance to honor yourself for owning and surviving your growing pains. Aloha!

Life is crazy and we all wonder can we do these drugs and function in life and the answer is do we want to remember what we did while were here or do we just want blurryness. sober equals happiness because its the hard way out not the easy way. It takes time to become yourself again but the man above will give you yourself back when you earn it. Flea your an inspiration to us all whether youre in Sunnyvale, Hawaii, Santa cruz, chile, or japan. You give us a glimpse into the future and thank you for being you. Much love and respect and I pray for you to stay on your path to recovery. Aaron, 24, Sunnyvale, Ca.

Go Flea!!!! All the luck in the world for you!

Flea, I've been a huge fan ever since the first time I found out about Mavericks. Been following you ever since...Living in Cape Town you sometimes feel that it's an isolated problem for an isolated stereotypical group of people. You're coming out proves that even the most amazing of peeps with insane willpower (how else do you take on Mavs). Real inspiration for owning and overcoming your demon. Winter's on it's way - hope to catch a glimpse of you at Dungeons soon. Cape Town rocks!

Man, that's a heavy story. Welcome back flea and mel.

Flea, Peter, as long as you keep paddling out, as long as you see your friends as friends, as long as you see the ocean and yourself with huge respect, as long as you see nature and our world as a gift, you'll see life with respect and as a precious gift. So keep up what you are doing, keep fighting hard but with respect, you will be paid off by life! (Keep staring at the EDDIE poster in my office every day!)

My support goes out. http://feedthebeat.com/widget/

great inspiration for all of us addicts! my brother will need to read this for he is now 64 days sober , ride on my surf bros!

Hi Flea, Good for you! I am clean and sober from Dec. 21st 1981! It wasn't easy, but it was my only choice as a 26 year old has-been surf star. I bottomed out on Cocaine and Alcohol and just could not imagine never partying again. So I didn't try to imagine it and took it one second, minute, hour, day at a time. It works! It' only gets better and better as the days go by, then the years add up. I am happier deep inside my heart & soul than ever before in my life. And my life keeps getting better and my emotional well-being is so solid compared to any of my young wild and free days. The talent & energy you've used to become a great giant wave surfer, redirected in healthy, clean and sober ways, will surprise and encourage you as the seconds, minutes, hours and days go by. Keep on "Doing it Sober" Dude! I will too!

Good on you guys, flea I always thought you were kinda of a dick but I respected your ability to charge, and god bless you, staying sober is not easy. I just got of jail in the middle of Texas for stealing from my parents, I am 42. Drugs and Alcohol have affected my life horribly, it worked for many years, then It just stopped working, two marriages gone, numerous hospitalizations, rehab after rehab, I am still trying to figure it out. I pray and work on my sobriety daily, god bless you both, in the end you will be stronger than you ever would have imagined. Keep charging FFSIII

I wish I could go to Flea-hab. I have a debilitating coke habit. I say every night "never again" and the next day I'm high. How it effects my surfing is one of the worst parts, along with being broke, unemployable, etc.

I'm glad to hear Flea is dealing and surprised to hear Peter was there too. Not all surfers in Santa Cruz rely on speed, try caffine with a protien drink. They work great together and produce lagit energy! Coupled with surf training in and out of the water there is no need for further stimulents. I burn a bit of weed though, a true product of the 70's, it really helps my back and has never lead to anything else. You're still rad Flea so fly high, just in a straighter way. shaka

Flea, read many of the comments here and all I can say is, it's really about you. Find out who you are in relationship to your Maker, and that is the only answer that works or means anything. I've been in this industry a long time and even saved one of your surfboards at the Mavs contest in '08. Found it floating adrift about a mile south of Mavericks and returned it to Mavericks Surf Shop,asking them to return it to you. In the same way, God saw you when you were floating adrift and wants to bring you back to Him. Are you aware of Him? Are you aware that He stands at the door and knocks? He opens the door and enters in for anyone who lets Him in. This is the biggest paddle in of your life. Are you ready?

Flea I remember in like the late 80's when you and a grip of dudes from Santa Cruz came down to Point Loma to a surf camp hosted by Joey Buran- and I was just a grom learning to surf and I remember how down to earth and approachable of a guy you were. I also remember seeing a lot of you guys really praying to God and stuff. As you continue to recover don't forget God still has your back since those days bruh. Your story and being brave enough to tell it is admirable... Props to you. Peace!

Flea, you are doing an honorable thing: Get the Message Out. It isn't just flea, peter and others from the Santa Cruz surfing scene, addiction is a global issue that is poorly explained and almost indefinitely misunderstood. America's common cultural perception clashes with the truth behind addiction. To an outsider who believes fully in "American values," drug abuse seems like a "lifestyle choice." This is completely false. This misconception is deemed by social psychologists as "the fundamental attribution error:" a mistaken calculation that puts more weight on an individual then the context of the situation. In bountiful psychological experiments it has been statistically proven that context is almost always the deciding factor in human behavior...and studies have indicated this since the 60's!! (some experiments include the Stanford Zimbarde Prison Study, the murder and rape of Kitty Genovese 1964, The Electric Shock Experiments of 1961 etc...). In addiction, m

Amazing story! I first saw it in a german mag and not reading German, I used a translator on internet to get the most of it !!! I met Flea in France a few years ago during a big-wave session and remembers an amazingly kind person, despite a tough look. I'm glad you made it through and wish you to live the way you want for now on. Take great care of you. Christel

Flea, thanks for laying it out there. Your story will help SO MANY people (has already). My husband and I have walked through drug addiction that takes all, leaving you stripped of what you love, and holding onto that nasty drug that you love-hate. Keep on!! Life is worth it. Props to your girlfriend if she's held on. THAT is hard (ask how I know) Good luck with your Flea-hab. Much-needed in the adrenaline-rush world of surfers. You've got SUPPORT from those of us who actually understand. Shalom--

Man, i wish i had know more about mavericks, it was not until today watching fuel that i realized i talked to you for the better part of an hour at the lane! i just tripped out at my apt and could not belive it!!! such a small world

rock on flea

Growing up near Mavericks, I have always been blown away by the courage of those who ride those monsters. Now, I am even more impressed with the incredible bravery of Flea and Pete -- you guys are so courageous to not only come clean (SUCH a hard thing to do and stick with), but also to finally talk publicly about the prevalence of drugs in the surfing community. You guys are so brave for doing that, and if there is backlash, know that you have a ton of support and all of us out there are rooting for you.

The principle behind the program you claim to honor is anonymity. What is it about that concept that escapes people who claim multiple years of sobriety. Also...as I read this, I get the feeling way too many people are acting as if these guys are heroes. Egos of this type, seem to crave accolades for taking out the garbage. Would it be possible to try for just a little, humility? Acting like a grown up should not be a big deal. Dig?