The fight to save a wave is the reason there’s a Surfrider Foundation to begin with.
Surfrider was founded by a group of surfers who were concerned about the environmental threats posed by escalating coastal development at their favorite surf break, Surfrider Beach in Malibu, California.
Relentless, the group rallied their community, addressed the issues, and presented solutions to California State Park officials at a public hearing in 1984 — and they won. Little by little, they started chalking up victories and fighting battles that continue today. From Trestles to Tres Palmas, from Montauk to Mā'alaea, the Surfrider Foundation has protected some of America’s best surf spots over the last forty years.
We know all too well that a surf spot or stretch of coast is never “saved” permanently but must be protected vigilantly because, like the next swell, a new threat is always just over the horizon. The expertise and leadership of the Surfrider Foundation have been crucial in maintaining coastal protections and winning battles to preserve our surfing resources and cultural heritage.
Without Surfrider’s grassroots network of activists across the country and the roles they play in their surf lineups and local communities, this type of surfer-led coastal conservation would be impossible, and it is worth taking the time to commemorate and celebrate these community-led efforts and important coastal victories.
It’s also an important reminder why all surfers and ocean lovers like you should be supporting members of the Surfrider Foundation — so we have the resources needed to stand our ground on the front lines as new threats inevitably emerge that endanger the waves we all love. Sadly, many great waves are threatened by water pollution, loss of access, alteration of the shoreline, and climate change, including loss of coral, sea level rise, and increased storm severity. But by working together, we can ensure that your favorite waves will still be around for the next generation of surfers to enjoy.
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