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May 16th - 18th, Westport, WA
Surfers and environmentalists alike will flood
the small fishing town of Westport, WA, May 16-18. This year marks
the 7th annual Clean Water Classic—the Northwest’s largest surf
contest. The event is a benefit for the Pacific Northwest chapters
of the Surfrider Foundation. Global Surf Industries, the leading
surfboard distribution company worldwide, is the title sponsor
for the Classic. Mark Kelly, President of Global Surf Industries
comments, “This is a low key event on a global scale, and this
is what we love about the Classic. Our company mantra is ‘Life
is better when you surf,’ and this is alive and on display at
the Classic for sure.” Over 110 contestants from Washington, Oregon
and British Columbia will compete with nearly 500 spectators expected
to attend.
Pete Stauffer, Oregon Policy Coordinator, for the
Surfrider Foundation explains, “The Clean Water Classic generates
crucial funding for the volunteer chapters of Surfrider throughout
the Pacific Northwest. These funds help support a variety of campaigns
and programs that focus on water quality, beach access, ocean
health, and shoreline preservation. We really appreciate the support
of the local surf shops and shapers in the Westport community,
without whom the event would not be possible.”
For 2008, the Classic will debut a Stand-up Paddle
demo heat and a keiki (youth) heat. Saturday night’s lineup will
include an appearance by guest of honor; Bob McTavish, the world
famous surfboard shaper who helped revolutionize the shortboard.
The party will also feature a performance by local Seattle dub
band, The Panda Conspiracy. Registration forms for the Classic
are available online at www.cleanwaterclassic.com.
For more information and to sign up click here.
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Small victory for oil spill prevention
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Photo Courtosy of Capt. Harry Gardner III
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A tugboat could be back in Neah Bay by July 1 to protect the coast against shipwrecks, thanks to funding approved Wednesday by the Washington Legislature. The state budget includes $3.7 million to pay for a year of tug operations in the northwest corner of the state a hazardous region where ships enter and leave the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the open ocean. Funding for the seasonal tug ran out this year on March 7, which is about a month earlier than normal. During the winter, the tug was called to assist six vessels in distress. Since the tug station was established in 1999, it has been called out 40 times in winter months, according to records kept by the Department of Ecology. Curt Hart of Ecology recently examined what could be called "close calls" during periods when the tug was not on station. "We found at least 18 incidents that occurred offseason," he said. "It was not a completely thorough check, and we don't have the Coast Guard records, which could be more complete."Read more
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Jan Klippert, 1935-2008
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Jan Klippert
Founder of the Washington Coast Cleanup
1935-2008 |
It is with great sadness to announce the passing
of Jan Klippert, the Founder of the Olympic Coast Cleanup. Jan
passed away January 22, 2008 on his 73rd birthday. Jan was a
tremendous inspiration to everyone associated with the Cleanup
and to the Surfrider Foundation. We will deeply miss his enthusiasm
and endeavor to live up to the promise of what he founded.
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Winter 2008 Coastal Current available
Coastal Current is our quarterly publication that highlights and reflects on Northwest chapters' accomplishments, goals, ocean policy and upcoming events.
Click here to view PDF file.
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