Surfrider Foundation, MAKING WAVES, August 2003

MAKING WAVES, August 2003 issue: Table of Contents

Victory in Asbury Park

by Dr. Bill Rosenblatt

Asbury Park New Jersey, that once glorious Queen of the Shore resorts, home of the legendary Stone Pony and Bruce Springstein, has finally abolished its anti-surfing ordinance! Another victory for the Surfrider Foundation’s Jersey Shore chapter and the 1559 signers of an online petition, whose thoughtful comments helped convince the city council that embracing surfing makes good economic sense. This victory was won with patience, persistence, planning, good luck, and cooperative effort. As John Weber, chapter chairperson, is fond of saying “just because you are right doesn’t mean you are going to win a victory...you’ve got to convince the decision makers, those in power to make change, that you’ve got something they want.”

The newest group of decision makers in Asbury Park (this fight has gone on for almost seven years with three different city administrations) included councilperson John Loffredo and the new city manager Terry Reidy. They each had the ability to look to the future and realize surfing’s potential as an economic resource for a city trying to “rise up.” Mayor Kevin Sanders and councilperson’s John Hamilton Jr. and Kate Melina agreed. They understood that surfers and their families visit beaches, eat in restaurants, spend money with local merchants, and could help fuel the rebirth of the city.

The economic potential and changing demographics of surfing were themes critical to this campaign. Sue Abatemarco, Respect the Beach coordinator and Asbury Park resident, stressed these points in an impassioned letter to the editor of the Asbury Park Press. “Surfing can attract families and dollars to the city,” she wrote, “I cannot bring my family and guests to the beach in the town where I pay taxes because we enjoy surfing”. Her comments were echoed time and time. Thanks to the electronic “coconut telegraph,” surfing-related web sites linked visitors to an online petition. Folks from up and down the east and west coast, and as far away as Hawaii let city officials know their feelings. The petition, signed by the likes of former ASP world champion, Peter Townend, and East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame legend, Cecil Lear stressed the point. Without surfing why would we come? Truly the grassroots at work.

This victory was a cooperative effortnational staff, grassroots action and chapter activist’s hard work. Executive Director Chris Evans put me (Bill Rosenblatt, Board of Directors) in touch with surfing’s elder statesman George Downing. George provided wisdom, guidance, and a copy of the classic 1973 Surf Parameters Report written by John Kelly. That report underscored just how vital the economic angle could be. Director of Chapters, Ed Mazzerella’s training and Chapter Resource Book provided a structure, a “how to manual,” for building a campaign. Activists Barb Bunkley, Bridget DeVane, Chad Nifousi, Phil Mylod, Bill McKinnon, Brian Lynch, Sue Abatemarco, John Weber and Mike Zichelli all made special contributions. San Diego city councilwoman Donna Frye, longtime activist, pitched in by writing a letter to the mayor and council providing her perspective and urging the ban overturned.

The right to surf has been won, but now the burden of proof is on us! The city, despite being in dire financial straits, hired two additional lifeguards to patrol the surfing beach, an expense they could hardly afford. The entire surfing community can now make Asbury Park a success and show that the expenditure was an investment that pays dividends!

The Jersey Shore chapter will be providing the city surfing clinics, and has offered to help implement a Respect the Beach Program. Scott Godwin, CNJ ESA director, is planning a surf contest. The chapter is working on a team challenge. Tony Pelegrosi (Concerts East), longtime Surfrider Foundation supporter and concert promoter, as well as club owners, recording artists, and local bands have offered to help at a “surf event”. Local restaurateur and chapter board member Marilyn Scholsbach is planning a “Surfer’s Ball.” We’re even reaching out to “Bruuuuce” to see how he’d like to help!

You can help too. Visit Asbury Park, buy beach badges, surf, spend your dollars, and help keep the beaches clean. Make this a victory we all are proud of. Let Asbury Park be the model for other cities, demonstrating that surfing is good for the economy, and that to encourage surfing is to embrace the best it has to offer.

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