Nikita Scott
Journey began in 2012
Chapter: New York City Surfrider Chapter, New York
Hi my name is Nikita and I am Surfrider because… I want to change the world one wave at a time!
Q: Why and when did you get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?
I started attending Surfrider events and meetings in 2012. I have a passion for surfing as well as environmental causes. Surfrider allows me to follow both of my passions simultaneously.
Q: What are some local issues that are affecting your ocean, waves and beaches?
In my opinion, the proposed offshore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal known as Port Ambrose is currently the foremost issue for New York’s coasts and ocean. This project will lock New York residents into dirty and dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure for decades. New York City also has a big problem with plastic trash, pollutants, and sewage coming from our city streets flowing into local waters, creating dirty beaches and unsafe water quality levels.
Q: What Surfrider projects have you worked on?
In March of 2014 I started working exclusively on the campaign to stop the Port Ambrose LNG terminal. Though, I continue to attend chapter beach cleanups, fundraisers, and executive committee and chapter meetings.
Q: What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience (i.e., campaign, program, victory)?
This year, in coordination with a rally to protest Port Ambrose and fracking in general, I organized a paddle-out in Long Beach, New York. About 12 of us took to the water on a cold rainy fall day to hold up a big banner that said “NO LNG”. It was a special moment of feeling like you are part of something larger.
Q: What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
That it’s not just for surfers. The Surfrider Foundation welcomes anyone who cares about the ocean and wants to take action to protect it.