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The wave resources at Ulu Watu are VERY valuable to us	The Bali Project by Kevin Ranker MAKING WAVES, April/May 1999

     In the early 70's Steve Cooney and Rusty Miller discovered the well-spring known throughout the surf world as Ulu Watu. Ever since, Ulu Watu has been a focal point in the spot light of surf travel destinations. Fame, however, often carries its own price tag.
     Ulu Watu is wonderful and unique. Although famous for the fast, ledgey left, Ulu Watu is unique for the way that you access the break through a cave to the water's edge. As the fame of Ulu Watu continues to grow and attract increasing numbers of traveling surfers, stresses on the surrounding area increase exponentially. Ulu Watu temple, one of the islands holiest and most visited sites lays nearly 2 miles south of the break that shares the same name. Yet, the only constant visitors to the break are surfers. Ironically, Ulu Watu temple is devoted to the goddess of the waters, Dewi Danu. As a lifestyle, sport and industry, we as surfers are solely responsible for the increasing numbers of travelers to Ulu Watu. The once quite trail to the break at Ulu Watu, and serene cliff overlooking it, has been replaced by a white knuckle, motor scooter ride to a busy nest of food stalls, ding repair huts and vendors.
     As human traffic and business in the area increase, one thing has been neglected. There are NO toilets or waste facilities at the break. Surfers have come to regularly using the cave as the crapper. The smell can be revolting, and as the only access to the break, the resulting health issues including local ocean water quality are beginning to take their toll. At Ulu Watu, the problem threatens the integrity of water quality at the break for all who come to enjoy the warm blue waters.
     Although not a common topic for a Board room in most businesses; human waste, and treatment are regular issues on the Surfrider Foundation agenda. About two years ago, Surfrider Foundation members Kevin Ranker from Washington State and a member of the Surfrider Foundation National Board of Directors and Gary Sirota from San Diego, California and former President of the Surfrider Foundation, decided to try to do something about the problem at Ulu Watu. Kevin is an annual traveler to Bali, and has made contact with I Wayan Sura, owner of the bluff area where the warungs, ding repair huts, massage huts and the famous cave are located. "I Wayan recognizes that a problem exists, but is unable to correct the problem himself. He does not have the money or expertise to deal with the amount of waste, in area with no fresh water, or electricity, high humidity, with long periods of heavy rain followed by a dry season." explains Ranker.
     Kevin and Gary took it upon themselves to find a solution. After exhaustive research, they identified a company with a patented process for a type of self composting toilet. The toilet requires no electricity, or water; can be designed to handle sufficient volume, can be piggy-backed to increase volume; and, can be built with local materials. Here is the real important part-the company, Sustainable Strategies, supervises the locals while building the toilets, translates the process into the local language, turns over the plans, and allows the locals to reproduce the process anywhere they desire. Sustainable Strategies has built these systems in Yap, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Palau and Fiji, all with great success! According to Gary, "the only thing now that stands in our way is raising the funds to complete the project, but I think it's do-able."
     The Surfrider Foundation is raising funds to make this happen. Any size contribution will help. It will be tax deductible and will be designated strictly for use on this project. Your contribution to what surfers, and the surf industry will do to protect a place like Ulu Watu from ruin caused by surfers is a win for the environment, the sport of surfing and its lifestyle, anyone who loves and respects our mother ocean and for you. Anyone who makes a donation larger than $2,000 will have the option of having their name listed as a major sponsor of the Surfrider Foundation Bali Project, as well as on the dedication plaque at the site.
     For the Surfrider Foundation Bali Project to work we need to raise $17,000. Please take the time and make the effort to help protect this threatened natural resource of waves, beaches and culture.

Donations can be made to the Surfrider Foundation Bali Project, 122 S. El Camino Real #67, San Clemente, CA 92672-4043 (be sure to state that your donation is for the Bali Project).

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