Cooly kids pledge support for Surfrider Foundation Australia
Coolangatta surfing trio; Mick Fanning, Dean Morrison and Joel Parkinson have confirmed their support for beach protection by renewing their Surfrider Foundation Australia memberships. Dean has signed on as a regular member and Mick and Joel as Life Members.
While all WCT competitors have previously been automatic members of Surfrider Foundation in the USA, the Cooly kids join a growing band of high profile surfers who have proudly supported Surfrider Foundation here in Australia. Six world champions; Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Damien Hardman, Barton Lynch and Mark Occhilupo, all long time supporters of Surfrider in Australia, have joined forces to create a limited edition series of framed photos with proceeds helping to fund vital Surfrider Foundation programs in Australia.
Mick Fanning (pictured) is hoping to join the esteemed group in more ways than one. The current world number one ranked surfer is making a charge for the 2007 world title and would be the first Australian since Occy in 1999. “I’m really proud to be a member of Surfrider Foundation in Australia and join their efforts in keeping Australia’s beaches healthy, beautiful and clean” said Mick.
Stuart Ball, current president of Kirra Surfriders Club and General Manager of Surfrider Foundation Australia National Office in Coolangatta has seen his Kirra club mate rise through the surfing ranks. “I’m really proud of Mick. We all are. Not just for his mind blowing surfing but for the role model he’s become in our community. Mick’s a champion” said Ball.
Surfers from the Kirra and Snapper clubs and from the border community in general have banded together in unanimous support for the ‘Bring Back Kirra’ campaign. Visiting the Gold Coast for the first time in many years, South African legend Shaun Thompson, also a former world champ and long time Surfrider supporter, was visibly distressed by the loss of the iconic break. “I can’t believe it” he said and promptly donated $1000 to the cause.
Meanwhile Joel Parkinson, currently ranked number 5 in the world, has offered his support to the organisation saying “ Let me know if I can ever help. I am more than happy to support the Foundation and offer my assistance whenever needed. I am happy to promote the good work that is done and would be eager to be a spokesman.” There’s a growing tide of support for this and many coastal conservation issues both locally and around the world. Check the Surfrider Foundation Australia website for details of how to support by donation or becoming a member.
Media Enquiries:
Mr Stuart Ball, General Manager, Surfrider Foundation Australia
Ph 0424 352792
www.surfrider.org.au