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Vince, what is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
My current role with the Newport, Oregon Chapter is Member-at-Large on the Executive Committee. But over the last 15 years working with the chapter, I have served as the BWTF Coordinator, Beach Cleanup Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Media Coordinator, Otter Rock and Roll Surf Competition Lead Organizer, Chair, and Vice Chair.
When and why did you choose to get involved?
I have been a surfer for 46 years and love and cherish the ocean for all the joy it brings to me. I want to protect and preserve this for others now and into the future.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
The biggest local threats to our beaches and ocean come from pollution and access issues.
Most of the pollution currently is land-based debris that makes its way into the ocean, but I fear energy development from wind, wave, and oil extraction are something we need to pay attention to and enact responsibly and sensibly.
Access is also a concern when armoring of the beach threatens walking access in front of armored areas. This hard armoring causes sandy beaches to disappear at medium tides, causing inaccessibility and accelerated erosion to the surrounding non-armored beach.
Closure of access by state agencies also occurs. Examples include the Newport jetty being closed off and Pacific City, where sport fishermen wanted to ban surfing in certain areas of the beach they launch boats from.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with and how have they impacted your community?
I have been involved with the 2024 and 2025 Hill Day, Ban the Bag in Newport and statewide, beach and highway cleanups, Blue Water Task Force testing, and access issues like public and private beach armoring proposals and proposed recreational limitations.
The beach and highway cleanups keep our beaches looking as pristine as possible and bring awareness to the community on sustainable ways to keep them that way. Testing of the local water and tracking water quality on a consistent year-round basis helps the community identify problem areas that need attention for point sources of water pollution.
Banning single-use plastics has decreased the waste associated with single-use bags and brought awareness to a more sustainable way of living. The more access the public has to the beach the more enjoyment the public will have.
Do you have any personal experiences where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
Surfrider is an inclusive organization. We work with any group that has the same goals — this has included local LGBTQ and Tribal organizations on beach cleanups. We do this for the benefit of all.
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
Surfrider welcomes all that have the same mission. Being mindful and engaged with others is part of being a good ocean steward.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
You can have fun and comaradery with like-minded people who are committed to the ocean and beaches.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
Meeting others that share the same passion for the ocean as I do.
Thanks so much, Vince! Is there anything else you would like to add?
In these challenging times, keep a positive outlook and never stop working for what you believe in.
