We’ve got what we wanted, now let’s make it happen
September 2009
After months of hard work, OC council has granted our request for a special workshop session to focus entirely on the possibility of getting rid of single use plastic checkout bags. We need your help. Please come to the meeting to show the leadership that there is a groundswell of support from the surfing and ocean loving community.
We did it!
April 2008
About 40 people picked up two dump truck loads of trash from Ocean City’s beaches and bay including over 500 plastic check out bags. That’s a crazy number when you consider that the season is still months away.
Thanks to All the Brave Beach Cleaners
December 2008
We want to acknowledge all those who braved the cold Jersey beach cleanup we had before December's meeting. As evidenced by the photo, even though it's off season, there's still a mess of trash on the beach as well as the dunes and streets. Ned Eissler (blue jacket in front) couldn't stop. When we started the meeting at Rojo's at 6th and Ocean, he was still picking up trash. He made a great point, "with these strong offshore winds, it's just a matter of time before all this crap ends up on the beach then into the ocean". Thanks Ned
A Special Thanks to our Partners and Supporters
October 2008
We want to thank our partners in supporting Surfrider Foundation's campaign to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic shopping bags. Presently we're focusing on Ocean City and have recently gained the support of the environmental commission there. In the coming months, we plan to expand our campaign throughout south jersey.
These stores purchased thousands of our reusable shopping bags allowing us to buy in bulk thereby reducing cost. It is our way of demonstrating Surfrider Foundation's commitment to reduce plastic bag consumption and being proactive in finding better solutions.
Please support our campaign by purchasing bags (they make great gifts). Come to our next meeting on the third saturday of each month to find out how you can help.
Pictured are (L to R) Andrew Funk of Surfers Supplies, Karen Knight of Luna Sea Health Food, Jamie Kelly of Heritage Surf and Sport and Aaron Jamison of 7th Street Surf. Future surfer Keegan Kelly is literally "in the bag".
Shaun Tomson "Busts Down the Door" at OC Movie Premier
August 2008
World Champion surfer Shaun Tomson took Ocean City by storm August 9th when he arrived for the area premier of Bustin' Down the Door, the story of the 70's invasion of Hawaii's North Shore by a group of brash, young Australian and South African surfers. The premier was held at the Moorlyn Theatre on Ocean City's boardwalk with a close-to-capacity crowd. South Jersey's own Dean Randazzo was in attendance too.
"This was one of the best surfing movies I've seen in a long time" mentioned Surfrider Chapter Treasurer Paul Amann. The movie chronicled the arrival of Rabbit Bartholomew, Peter Townend, Mark Richards and Ian Cairns (all from Aus) and cousins Shaun & Michael Tomson (South Africa) as they disrupted Oahu's North Shore and surfing forever.
As part of his visit, Shaun met with Ocean City Mayor Perillo and local Surfrider activists to discuss his support of Surfrider's national "Rise Above Plastics" campaign. Locally, the South Jersey Chapter has been working diligently to raise public awareness and move Ocean City toward banning the use of disposable plastic shopping bags. Often viewed as harmless because they are "free," these bags are deceptively costly to both our economy and environment.
In response, the South Jersey Chapter has teamed with Ocean City retailers Heritage Surf Shop, Surfer's Supplies, 7th Street Surf Shop and LunaSea to produce reusable shopping bags. If you'd like to do your part, you can purchase these bags at each retailer or stop by one of our upcoming events.
Lastly, we'd like to thank Steve Mullen and Jim Nilsen for working hard to pull the event come together.
For more information on Bustin' Down the Door, including a movie synopsis and a trailer from the file, check out the Bustin' Down the Door website.
Jack Johnson and Surfrider Encourage Everyone to Rise Above Plastics
August 2008
On August 7th, both the South Jersey and San Diego Chapters teamed up with musician Jack Johnson during his "All At Once" tour, for "Village Green." Prior to the start of the show, fans were given the opportunity to obtain a "passport" on their journey through the venue which illustrated information on various non-profit groups; we, of course, being one of them. In addition to the information provided, concert goers were also able to earn stamps on their passport by completing such simple tasks as: recycling an item, visiting the non-profit tables, or refilling a water bottle. By obtaining three stamps, their names were then placed in a drawing to win a seat on stage with a friend.
At 330 pm, our volunteers were given access passes and debriefed to the task at hand. Jack Johnson even came out and took some pictures with us and signed autographs! Our task was simple: to "Rise Above Plastics." Our booth asked people to sign a pledge to reduce, reuse, & recycle and decrease dependence upon one-time use plastics. We also had petitions for the mayor of Ocean City to ban one-time use plastics. The response was inspiring. Many people came up to the table stating they already do most of the suggestions made. Our volunteers Kirk Greaser, Krissy Halkes, and Lisa Colavito also noticed an amazing amount of younger adults showing a genuine interest. It's comforting to know they share the same passion and the future of the environment is looking promising!
Art of Surfing Festival Returns
August 2008
The tremendously popular Art of Surfing Festival returned to Ocean City's boardwalk on July 31st for an always enjoyable infusion of surf culture. Now in its 8th year, the Art of Surfing features a variety of artwork from both locally and internationally renowned artists like Bogy, Wade Koniakowsky and John Severson.
Surfrider South Jersey chapter volunteers Steve, Paul, Sandy and Jim were all in attendance to educate show visitors about the Surfrider Foundation in general and specifically the South Jersey Chapter's recent campaigns, including the effort to ban disposable plastic bags in Ocean City.
Reusable Shopping Bags Now Available!
July 2008
The average American uses over 1000 plastic bags, most of which find their way into the landfill, onto our streets and into our ocean. The unfortunate result is that 100,000 sea mammals and 1,000,000 sea birds die each year, not to mention the unsightly mess these bags create and the environmental damage they cause.
The South Jersey Chapter has partnered with Ocean City's Heritage Surf Shop, Surfers Supplies, Luna Sea and 7th Street Surf Shop to do something about it. We've had reusable shopping bags manufactured and they are now available at any of the above retailers or at our regular chapter events.
Please help us reduce environmental pollution by reducing your use of disposable shopping bags. If you'd like to buy one of our bags, that would be cool too.
International Surfing Day 2008
July 2008
The recent celebration of International Surfing Day at Ocean City's 59th Street Beach once again proved to be a memorable event. With the theme of "Rise Above Plastics," the South Jersey Chapter sought to deliver a message asking attendees to take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics.
As the event got underway, Plastron got everyone into the groove with their psychedelic surf rock. Take a listen to Plastron's MySpace Page.
Components to the ISD event include:
The Beach Sweep proved to be popular with the young and old alike. "We decided to award raffle tickets to each participant based on the amount of trash they collected" said Sandi Leonard, Chapter Vice Chairmain. "It really succeeded in creating some excitement for the kids to inspect the beach carefully." Afterward, prizes were awarded among Beach Sweep participants. Prizes included: T-shirts from Heritage Surf Shop, Surfers Supplies and Quicksilver; Surf Prints by Bogy donated by Sagemore Gallery; Gift Certificates to Mallon's Homemade Sticky Buns, Rojo's Tacos and Hula Grill; a skateboard by Quicksilver and a bunch of other great stuff. All in all, the sweep collected over 50 bags of trash from surrounding beaches and turned out to be a lot of fun.
The Paddleboard Race offered "...a really competitive group of paddlers for the race," said Organizer Chuck Allison. "While the length of the course may have dissuaded a few, the hard-core paddlers battled it out." The Paddle Race took paddlers on a round trip from 57th to 34th Street and back. "Overall I'm very satisfied with how the event turned out" said Allison, a Surfrider Volunteer and former member of the Avalon Beach Patrol.
The Island Grill's food was "top notch" and featured a variety of foods. Their BBQd Beef Brisket drew raves and no one went home unsatisfied.
A decent swell developed as the evening progressed, offering event participants an opportunity to cool off after scouring the beach for trash. "I really liked being able to take my new board for a ride after picking up some trash. Now I hope to win some good prizes," said Chicago resident Henry Burns as he emerged from the surf during the event.
"We're really happy with the turnout and the event" concluded Event Organizer Donna Michalak. "It's been a busy week, but I'd like to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors and participants for a great event."
Second Annual Back Bay Kayak Tour: Big Hit
July 2008
June 7th's Second Annual Back Bay Kayak Tour brought out a group of enthusiastic participants for a leisurely paddle through Great Egg Harbor Bay. Lead by Naturalist and Surfrider Member Bill Steumpfig, the group of about 20 paddlers wound their way through the tidal flats and islands surrounding the Rte. 50 causeway to find a variety of wildlife including: nesting Osprey's, Oyster Catchers, gulls and Sandpipers. Participants were unanimously surprised by the broad diversity of wildlife found within a short distance of both the causeway and the Ocean City Visitor's Center. Everyone had a great time and found the two-hour tour perfect in length and appropriate for not only novice paddlers, but also experienced paddlers too.
For those that missed it, Bay Cats offers similar tours on a regular basis and we recommend them highly. Visit the Bay Cats' website to learn more about their tours.
Finally, we'd like to thank Don and Bill from Bay Cats for their efforts in pulling this fundraiser together. All proceeds of the tour were donated to the South Jersey Chapter.
Margo Pellegrino Recognized by the EPA
May 2008
Congratulations to Margo Pellegrino, who was recently recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency with the Environmental Quality Award for her work in protecting the environment. During the summer of 2007 Margo paddled from Miami to Maine to raise awareness about the condition of our environment.
Planning for International Surfing Day Under Way
May 2008
Planning for the South Jersey Chapter's biggest annual event is moving into high gear. International Surfing Day, scheduled for Friday June 20th, is intended to focus attention on the state of our ocean and beach environment. Lead by our own Donna Michalak, the ISD event will include live music by Plastron, a beach sweep and a paddleboard race.
With so much going on, we need some volunteers. It may be giving away soft drinks, managing the sweep or answering questions about The Surfrider Foundation. Please if you can help.
Surfrider Given Ocean City's Golden Broom Award
April 2008
During Ocean City's recent Earth Day Festival, the South Jersey Chapter was honored to receive the City's Golden Broom Award. The award recognizes our Chapter for its' dedication to the environment, demonstration of environmentally friendly practices and achievements that give all New Jersey residents hope and promise for the future. Presented to our own Steve Mullen and Sandi Leonard, the Golden Broom was signed by State Senator Jeff Van Drew as well as State Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matt Milam.
This award is a testament to the South Jersey Chapter's members and friends for their progressive stand and hard work in protecting our environment. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Surfrider Reaches Out to Rowan University Students at Green Fest
April 2008
The South Jersey Chapter recently joined over 20 other organizations to raise awareness of environmental issues in the Rowan community. Open to students, faculty and staff, "Green Fest" was a day long event that offered a variety of environmentally themed activities, culminating with an environmental exhibition and a screening of the film "The 11th Hour," a documentary that examines the state of the global environment.
"We were able to reach quite a few people that weren't familiar with Surfrider" reports Chapter Volunteer Dave Allison. "Most tended to be younger, non-surfing beach goers and everyone was interested in what we're doing and how they can help. I think this event was very worthwhile in reaching a broader audience that normal."
The South Jersey Chapter's participation in Green Fest, as well as other regional events, is the result of our Community and Educational Outreach Committee. If you'd like to help us reach students and members of the area communities we'd appreciate your help. Volunteer opportunities can include tabling a community event, showing a video to school children or representing Surfrider at local event. If you can help us, please .
Once again, we'd like to thank Dave Allison for his help and leadership at the Green Fest event.
Bluewater Wind Presents to Surfrider
April 2008
Offshore wind energy developer Bluewater Wind stopped by April 2nd to educate the South Jersey Chapter on wind energy and their bid to install a wind farm off of Atlantic City. The firm is competing with two other companies for the contract.
Some of the facts include:
- Existing studies make determining environmental impact easier
- No significant damage to wildlife populations has been found
- Initial increase in consumer cost will be lower over the long term
- NJ DEP is conducting a study on where to locate the project
- Problem: NJ Electric companies not required to by the generated electricity
Bluewater Wind proposes:
- Initial installation 15.6 miles offshore—barely visible
- 116 turbines generating 350 Megawatts
- Cost $1.6 Billion
We'd like to thank Chris Ohleth from Bluewater Wind for this informative presentation.
Bluewater Wind is a leading developer of offshore wind energy projects. The firm describes itself as a group of "experienced environmentalists and business professionals [that] has both the know-how and dedication to build responsible wind energy projects." More information is available at www.bluewaterwind.com.
South Jersey Chapter Acts to Protect Surfers
April 2008
Surfrider Foundation volunteers recently fanned out across South Jersey beaches to continue the search for hazardous debris in surfing and swimming areas. As a kickoff event to the Chapter's Surf Obstruction Campaign, volunteers visited beaches from Atlantic City to Stone Harbor during an extremely low tide to identify and catalogue debris that often lies just below the surface of the water. "We found a wide variety of debris including broken outfall piping, pilings and even bulkheads uncovered by the shifting sands" reported Chuck Allison, Project Leader.
The Surf Obstruction Campaign is intended to prevent injuries to beach users by identifying, cataloguing and removing debris found in the surf zone along South Jersey's coast. "We've already received an encouraging response from the cities of Avalon and Ocean City, who took action to remove debris identified by Chapter Volunteers." mentions Chapter Co-Chairman Jim Nilsen. Avalon removed debris from its 21st Street Beach while Ocean City removed a significant amount of debris from the city's popular north end.
"While we've achieved some success, we need more community involvement to identify and remove these hazards." continues Chuck Allison. "Since the sea bottom is constantly changing, dangerous pieces of debris constantly disappear and return with the shifting sands. We need people that are familiar with a particular piece of debris to contact us and tell us about it before someone gets hurt."
The South Jersey Chapter's Surf Obstruction Campaign will be continuing throughout 2008 and members of the community who would like to volunteer or report debris in their area are encouraged to .
Avalon and Surfrider Team to Make Beaches Safer
April 2008
Surfrider South Jersey would like to thank and congratulate the City of Avalon for recently having hazardous debris removed from the 21st Street beach. After a storm broke an outfall two years ago, broken pilings and debris created a hazardous condition for swimmers and surfers alike.
Aware of this condition, South Jersey Chapter volunteer Chuck Allison approached city government about the condition. Armed with photos provided by local photographer David McCarty, Chuck alerted the city and worked with Mayor Pagliughi's staff to remedy the situation. After contracting with an outside firm, the debris was removed on March 21st. Great job Chuck!
Do you have submerged hazards at your beach?
Download the Surf Zone Obstruction Survey Report [PDF 199k] to record information about the condition and send it to us. We will contact the authorities about removing the debris.
Educational Outreach Committee Making Immediate Impact
March 2008
The South Jersey Chapter's Educational Outreach Committee has hit the ground running. Led by Chapter Volunteer Steve Mullen and the energetic Margo Pellegrino, the Committee has already scheduled a variety of presentations and events that include:
- Levitt Middle School Willingboro, NJ April 7th 8-10am
- Mainland High School Linwood, NJ April 15th 2:45pm
- Rosa Middle School Cherry Hill, NJ May 20th Time: TBD
- Burlington County Library, Burlington, NJ May 18th - Tentative
- Oakcrest High School, Mays Landing, NJ May 22nd 9am - 5pm
In addition, the Committee has acted quickly to partner with Tony Tancini from the New Jersey Watershed Ambassador's Program to share opportunities to speak with communities in the Burlington and Camden Counties about each organization's mission.
Members interested in joining the Educational Outreach Committee are encouraged to email Steve Mullen directly: mullenphoto [at] comcast.net
Local Surf Shops Volunteer to Reduce the Use of Plastic Bags
March 2008
The Committee to Ban Plastic Bags is pleased to announce that Heritage, Surfer's Supplies and 7th Street Surf Shop have agreed to partner with the South Jersey Chapter to reduce the use of plastic bags. Each shop has agreed to distribute environmentally friendly, reusable bags that are being manufactured for The South Jersey Chapter.
"These bags will be used as a vehicle to increase public awareness of the problem" stated Committee Chairperson Kathy Larrabee. "Most people aren't aware of the extent of the problem and we feel that distributing these bags is a good first step."
Pioneered by Committee Volunteer Steve Mullen, the enviro-friendly bags should be available by the end of May and will cost approximately $1 - $2.
South Jersey Chapter Focuses on Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags
March 2008
Everyone is familiar with the ubiquitous free plastic shopping bags given to carry home our frequent purchases, but very few are familiar with their actual cost. Americans use 100 Billion plastic bags per year and of that, only 1% is recycled. Made from petroleum, plastic bags can take centuries to break down and their component chemicals stay in our ecosystem much longer than that. The result is a contaminated environment and food supply.
Here are a few quick facts about our use of plastic bags:
- The average American uses over 330 plastic bags per year
- 90% of floating marine debris is plastic
- 46,000 pieces of plastic are floating on every square mile of ocean
The South Jersey Chapter is working to eliminate the use of plastic bags in southern New Jersey and we need your help. First, use fewer bags. The best long-term solution is to use an environmentally friendly reusable alternative. Second, recycle those bags that you do use. Finally, encourage those around you to do the same.
If you'd like to volunteer to help us with this campaign, please email us at: sjsurfrider [at] hotmail.com.
Fight to Protect Trestles Wins Major Victory
February 2008
In an 8 to 2 vote, the California Coastal Commission recently voted against the construction of a highway that would destroy Trestles, a classic southern California surf break. For the Surfrider Foundation, "...this decision validates the many years of hard work given to the 'Save Trestles' campaign by salt-of-the-earth volunteers and roll-your-sleeves-up staffers."
Read more about the victory on Surfer Magazine's website.
Unfortunately, this recent victory does not guarantee the preservation of Trestles. The TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) has a number of options at their disposal and they have already begun preparing an appeal. To help keep the pressure on and ensure Trestles is protected, support the Trestles campaign by making a donation to the Surfrider Foundation.
Margo Pellegrino Selected as 2007 Wavemaker
February 2008
Congratulations go to South Jersey's own Margo Pellegrino for being selected as a "Wavemaker" for 2007 by the Surfrider Foundation. The Wavemaker awards are given to those individuals and companies who have made significant contributions towards helping the Surfrider Foundation fulfill its mission. Margo was honored with the Coastal Impact Award for drawing attention to the declining state of our beaches during her incredible 2000+ mile paddle from Miami to Maine.
Way to go Margo!
Learn more about Margo's journey at the Miami2Maine website.
Check out the other Wavemakers by checking out the Surfrider Press Release.
Eastern H.S. to Lead Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep for Surfrider
January 2008
We're stoked to announce that a squad of students from Voorhees' Eastern High School will be leading the April 26th Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep for the South Jersey Chapter! As part of a Senior Project, an AP class chose improving "water sanitation" as a cause that interested the group. Afterwards, they contacted the South Jersey Chapter to see how they can help.
Led by Chapter Secretary Donna Michalak with the help of Member Margo Pellegrino, the project will include leadership training before the event, and then actually leading a group of volunteers in cleaning the beaches. Surfrider members and friends will provide the muscle while student leaders direct us in cleaning assigned beaches. Please remember to volunteer for the Beach Sweep in April to support our student leaders and get our beaches lookin' good.
AC Places Recycling Containers on Boardwalk at Surfrider's Urging
December 2008
A recent article in the Atlantic City Press announced that after failing to enforce New Jersey's requirement to recycle, Atlantic City has started to clean up its act. Within the last several weeks, recycling cans have been placed on the famed boardwalk with the goal to have all in place by the begining of summer 2008.
The article mentions the efforts of the South Jersey Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and specifically former Chapter Co-Chair and Activist Steve Mullen as the prime instigator after speaking with City and County Officials and seemingly getting nowhere.
The South Jersey Chapter recently adopted implementation of a recycling plan in Atlantic City as a long-term campaign. Although this is an encouraging first step, we must continue to work toward full implementation of a city-wide recycling program.
Good job Steve!
All previous news articles are in the process of being archived. Stay tuned!