Record attendance at Surfrider’s 9th Annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day
Last week, more than 170 Surfrider members, staff, and volunteers met with their representatives in Congress to advocate for clean and protected beaches nationwide. With 88 chapters and student clubs from 28 states and territories represented, the 9th annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day was the most impactful yet. Not only was there record participation, but also solid advancement on key policies that ensure healthy coastlines. For nearly a decade, Surfrider’s Hill Day has become an integral part of our strategy to ensure that Congress is standing up for our coasts and ocean.
Over the course of two days, 36 Surfrider delegations met with 122 congressional offices to advocate for three issues: clean water on our coasts; funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and stopping new offshore oil drilling. Each delegation included a combination of Surfrider student club members, volunteers, staff, and board of directors.
The Cause
This year, we asked our leaders in Congress to ensure sufficient funding for the BEACH Act (Beaches and Environmental Coastal Health Act) grants and other clean water programs administered by the EPA. Federal BEACH Act grants provide much-needed assistance to states to carry out their beach water quality monitoring programs and to inform the public of contaminated water that could put their health at risk. “Surfrider has long advocated for adequate funding and strong oversight of the BEACH Act, but the President’s budget for next year might leave this critical public health program completely unfunded”, commented Mara Dias, Surfrider’s Water Quality Initiative Senior Manager.
In fact, the president’s budget for 2026 calls for cutting EPA programs by 55%. “Without continued federal funding for the BEACH Act, families could be left completely blind to pollution issues at U.S. beaches,” continued Dias.
Fortunately, however, the BEACH Act received unprecedented support from Republicans and Democrats alike during Hill Day meetings, reminding us that water quality on our beaches transcends partisan politics.
Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Our Health & Clean Water.
Another priority for this year’s Hill Day was protecting NOAA and its key programs for ocean and coastal management. “The U.S. agency responsible for managing our ocean and coasts, supporting emergency response activities, and monitoring weather and climate has been under threat by this administration,” said Katie Day, Surfrider’s Sr. Manager of Science and Policy. She continued, “Hill Day provided the opportunity for Surfrider’s coastal leaders to speak out on why NOAA and its programs matter. From tracking toxic harmful algal blooms to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems that provide life-saving flood alleviation and storm protection, participants shared stories and examples from their local coastlines on why we need NOAA funded, staffed, and able to carry out its mission.”
Make your voice heard on why NOAA matters!
Surfrider also took the opportunity during this year’s Hill Day to call for an end to new offshore oil drilling in U.S. waters. Our coastlines, home to nearly 40% of the U.S. population, support incredible wildlife, ecosystems, recreation opportunities, tourism, and millions of jobs. Unfortunately, these areas are once again at risk from new offshore drilling. “During Hill Day, Surfrider called on Congress to take action to protect U.S. coasts and communities against the threat of new offshore drilling and its impacts,” said Pete Stauffer, Surfrider’s Ocean Protection Initiative Manager. “This included opposing legislation and amendments that require or promote new oil and gas leasing and supporting legislation to prohibit new oil and gas development on the outer continental shelf.”
Take Action today to protect our coasts against new offshore oil drilling.
Surfrider's San Diego Chapter meets with Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52)
The voices of today and the future
In addition to advancing policy to protect our nation’s coasts and ocean, a fundamental goal of Hill Day is to engage Surfrider’s entire network in federal level advocacy and build their capacity as ocean leaders. “Our student clubs are a critical piece to that equation,” commented Surfrider’s Senior Environmental Director, Zach Plopper. “This year,” he continued, “an unprecedented number of students participated, marking the development of a new generation of coastal voices.”
University of California Santa Barbara student club member Mary Holtam said that, “it was so cool to participate in Hill Day as a student because it gave me the opportunity to make real, tangible change on issues that affect the community surrounding my campus. It allowed me to use my voice in a way that would have been much more challenging for me to organize on my own.”
Sarah Wolf, Surfrider’s Aquaculture Marine Debris Policy Fellow in Oregon, spoke to her experience participating in Hill Day for the first time. "During my first Hill Day with Surfrider, I saw how powerful storytelling can be. Our volunteers’ personal stories about their connection to the ocean reached the rooms where decisions are being made—and influenced important outcomes."
Massachusetts Chapter Chair, Chris Borgatti, said that his “favorite part of Hill Day is witnessing first-time participants grow more skilled and confident with each meeting.” This year many saw a new energy among participants. “Hill Day is always a rewarding experience,” continued Chris. “But this year, there was a real sense of empowerment felt by members of the team. I've participated in many Hill Days, but this one felt different. The stakes seemed higher, as the threats to our oceans, waves, and beaches felt more immediate and tangible."
Surfrider's Massachusetts Chapter Chair Chris Borgatti is as focused in the field as he is in the Halls of Congress
While the 9th Annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day broke records, we recognize the challenges ahead. Although the Surfrider network made its presence heard in numbers last week, the pressure does not end at the conclusion of this year’s event. It is endlessly applied. Fortunately, the Surfrider network is ready every day to protect our coasts and our ability to enjoy them.
Click here to learn more about Surfrider’s current federal policy efforts and see how you can get involved.