Who is Eric Noel Muñoz?
The Author Behind Peli Can Surf
Pelicans soaring and gliding over ocean waves is a mesmerizing sight, and over time I thought why don’t they ride the barrel? So I came up with the idea of pelican born with a bent wing that is different from other pelicans and gets inspired by watching human surf and use their hand to stall for the tube. I named her Peli, since she is a pelican, who actually ‘can’ surf so came with up Peli Can Surf. She overcomes some bullying by her local crew and goes on to be a community leader. I want kids (or anyone) to overlook setbacks and use the ocean to gain confidence and conquer life challenges. The future role of Peli is to promote environmental awareness of regional and global issues affects coastal ecosystems. I am looking to partner with a funding or media entity to produce the next four sequels of Peli Can Surf, consider a movie effort, and launch merchandise to present Peli to the world. I have Peli’s story in Italian, and soon will be providing in Spanish.
Meet Eric Noel Muñoz
My Books focus on my children’s book character Peli; communicating the coastal environmental success story of eradicating the invasive seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia, and my 2015 story of paddling the canals of Venice, Italy on my inflatable SUP.
My Books
Peli Can Surf Book
Meet Peli, the tube riding pelican. Artwork by Bonnie Bright. Future stories have her surfing with dolphins, traveling with gray whales from Alaska to Baja California, surfing waves around the world, and communicating with humans, all with a focus on enjoying the ocean, making friends, and caring for coastal environments.
SUP Venice
In recent years authorities have banned Stand Up Paddling (SUP) from the Grand Canal and other canals in Venice, Italy. But in 2015 I had an amazing experience paddling there that I share via words and photos in my e-book and also my YouTube channel with 27 video clips, mostly on the water and from deck of my SUP.
Caulerpa "Killer Algae"
While a staff planner for the city of Carlsbad, this invasive seaweed invaded our lagoon, threatened the California coast, and forever changed by outlook and concern for coastal environments. The TED video I did with animator Eli Elinenberg introduces the topic in 3 minutes.