David Rastovich

David 'Rasta' Rastovich (b. 1979), professional surfer and conservation activist, was born in rural New Zealand. At the age of five he moved with his parents to the Gold Coast, where in time he began to compete in junior surf lifesaving and surfing events. He has won numerous titles in iron man, paddling and surfing events, including a world junior surfing title. Rastovich developed a sense of environmental awareness as a young man. In 2004, outside the International Whaling Commission meeting in Italy, he established the conservation group Surfers for Sanctuaries with marine conservationist Howie Cooke. Later, this group evolved into Surfers for Cetaceans, focusing on the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises. More recently he has supported the activities of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. In a 2008 interview Rastovich summed up his holistic approach to life : 'My only goal is really to just share the joy of balance and the joy of learning to balance, of going up and down, just the joy of being on that adventure, of finding out what it is that makes me continually helpful, happy, peaceful. A clear person and a clear mind.'