Why and when did you get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?
I got involved with Surfrider in 2006, but knew about the Surfrider Foundation since I was in grade school by first participating in a beach cleanup at Assateaque Island National Seashore and subsequently knew of the foundation through osmosis by spending most of my life at the beach. I got involved in 2006 because I knew that I wanted to dedicate some time to giving back to the beach, a place which has given me so much throughout my life.
What are some local issues that are affecting your ocean, waves and beaches?
Some local issues that are affecting our ocean, waves and beaches include the spread of microplastics in the water, beach erosion and repleneshment projects as well as beach preservation efforts.
What Surfrider projects have you worked on?
I have been hosting a monthly beach cleanup at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas for over 10 years.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience (i.e., campaign, program, victory)?
The highlight of my Surfrider experience has been how the Moonlight Beach cleanups have grown from 5-10 people when I started to almost 400 people in 2019! And what’s most rewarding is to see how this growth has fostered more awareness and outreach to the public.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
I think the most important thing about Surfrider is how the foundation takes action and empowers everyday people like me who have a passion by informing, inspiring and providing them with the tools/ systems so they can grow and champion Surfrider's values and mission.
Why are you a Surfrider coastal defender?
I am a Surfrider coastal defender because pollution is a man-made/created issue and if we made the mess, then we can fix it/ clean it up.
Anything else?
I’m so blessed to have the support of my awesome wife Natalie and our three groms. The kiddos actually get excited to do the cleanups (especially when Clif Bars are on hand!) and the oldest one helps me set up and speaks publicly on occasion about ocean pollution. To see that growth and to have all of their support, is refreshing and key to the mission going forward for the next generation.