What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
I am currently the Volunteer Coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation Connecticut Chapter.
When and why did you choose to get involved?
About 10 years ago I attended a local paddle board race in my hometown of Milford, where I saw a Surfrider tent set up. I was curious, so I went over to introduce myself. There I met the Chair and Vice Chair of the chapter, Jack Egan and Rachel Precious. They were super friendly and told me all about what the Surfrider Foundation stood for and what they did. Growing up my whole life around the ocean I jumped at the chance to get involved and do my part to help keep our beaches clean and be a positive role model for my daughters.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
Contaminated water. The town I live in has the longest coastline out of any town in Connecticut. We usually have problems with beach closures after storms due to pump stations overflowing and storm drain runoff. Also, beach erosion has been a big problem at my local beach. Between the water quality and weakening of our shorelines, these are two issues that I look forward to working on.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
I have been involved with dozens of beach and coastal cleanups over the years. We have collected thousands of pounds of trash that had ended up in our local waters, or would have if we didn't intervene. These beach cleanups have made a huge impact on our local communities. We often get stopped by residents who thank us for helping to keep their beaches clean and it feels really good to know that what we are doing is making a difference.
We also co-host, with Tina Pritchard of Scoot & Paddle, one of the largest paddle board races on the East Coast, the Charles Island SUP cup and Sprint Series races. This event brings hundreds of racers and spectators to our beaches every summer; participants get a chance to compete and also learn more about Surfrider. It really is a great community event.
Do you have any personal experiences or worked on campaigns where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
I’m fairly new to the executive committee but a social justice issue I’d like to get more involved with is beach access. Unfortunately, over the last few years I’ve seen some discrimination as to who is allowed at the beach. I think everyone should be able to come and enjoy the beach and not be turned away or looked down upon. There’s some really good opportunities for change on the horizon.
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
Honestly, I think Surfrider already does a great job and we should continue to learn and grow as an organization. By regularly assessing inclusivity efforts through surveys and community feedback, we can get a better understanding of what we need to do. Highlighting stories of surfers and ocean lovers from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds to inspire and empower new audiences is one of the things I like seeing.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
We’re out here doing our best to help keep our ocean and beaches clean and accessible for future generations.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
The highlight for me has been the people I've met in the organization as well as the people I've met at our events. I joined at a time when I needed more positive people in my life and I found them here with Surfrider. Some of the best people I know are involved and I’m honored to stand by them and for all the great things we’ve accomplished and continue to do.
Thanks so much Bill! Is there anything else you would like to share?
I recently attended Surfrider's 40th Anniversary National Summit in Long Beach, California. It was one of the most inspiring events I’ve ever been to. I'm truly thankful for everyone I met there and for everything I learned. Thank you Surfrider!
