Ryan Johnson
Staff Accountant
Before I had a license to drive, I remember my friends and I would skateboard down to the nearest bus stop with our surfboards in hand and ride the bus for an hour just get to the pier. At the time, we didn’t care about the latest surf report or what the tides were doing. We just wanted to get to the beach. At a very young age, I learned the powers of the coast always offered something in return, even on days with ankle-biter waves and grey skies.
Now managing the Foundation’s grassroots finances and assisting the controller, I have the privilege of applying my own skills in a workplace that exists solely to promote and protect coastal recreation and its environmental health. I work with some of the most intelligent, passionate staff and activists who wear the misson on their sleeves and with a clear vision in mind for coastal victories around the globe. From my experience, Surfrider does this amazing thing of confronting serious coastal issues—oftentimes with little resources available—while at the same time being relentlessly steady and unpretentious in the work. It's quite inspiring and contagious.
As a new father, I look forward to the days ahead taking my own kids to the beach. I look forward to teaching them that being environmentally responsible is more than just recycling soda cans and occasionally turning off the hose. Respecting the beach is more than enjoying a pretty sunset, but making those critical lifestyle choices that make a difference in protecting our oceans, waves, and beaches and keeping them healthy and clean. If you use our coastlines and believe the same, you can plug into the Surfrider Foundation at any level, such as becoming a member today, and finding ways to get involved locally.
