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08.31.15

A Worthy Pursuit

Kevin Piper, Senior, Cal State Channel Island College Club

Q. Why did you get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?

I became involved with the Surfrider Foundation because I got tired of surfing in dirty water; I didn't like seeing trash on the beach, and I realized that the Surfrider Foundation was taking real action to better beaches and oceans everywhere.  

Q. What are some local issues that are affecting your ocean, waves and beaches?

The oil industry is huge in Northern Ventura, hydraulic fracturing creates sediment plumes that give Ventura waters a brownish hue, even in dry periods. Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter has been discussing this issue with Blue Tomorrow's Northern Ventura County Coastal Watershed Project. Other issues include but are not limited to agriculture runoff, lack of an updated infrastructure, power plants, offshore drilling and untreated dredging. The Ventura Chapter has already done so much in the community. They have set out to create many OFG's in ventura, have restored Surfer's Point, both with plant life and have protected it from increasing sea level rise and are working on the Matilija Dam removal project. 

Q. What project is your Club currently working on? What is your goal?

My club is currently working on a RAP project on campus that mostly focuses on the elimination of plastic bottle use on campus. We are going to encourage people to recycle their plastic bottles once and for all and get themselves a reusable plastic water bottle. 

Q. How do you think Surfrider’s Youth Program will help you succeed in the future?

Creating a project from start to finish is such an important skill. Being able to know that we had success in our projects while participating in the Surfrider Foundation's Youth Engagement program will reasure that any project in the future can be able to be accomplished as well. 

Q. What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?

It is grassroots. The strength of the Surfrider Foundation is really in its members and chapters around the country. Each chapter has power to create real change in its community.