The Surfrider Foundation USA is a U.S. 501 grassroots non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches. It focuses on water quality, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation, and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems. Headquartered in San Clemente, California, the Surfrider Foundation maintains a small staff, which work to support the organization's network of regional grassroots chapters. The current CEO is Chad Nelsen.
History
The Surfrider Foundation was started in Malibu, California in 1984 by a handful of surfers to protest threats to their local surf break at Malibu Point. The organization continued on for several years as a loose advocacy group until 1991, when the first chapters were founded. At that point the Surfrider Foundation transitioned into a grassroots activist organization. Today the Surfrider Foundation maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.
Programs and campaigns
Surfrider Foundation volunteers and staff utilize a number of programs in their efforts to protect the coast and raise awareness of environmental issues.
State of the Beach - A continuously updated report published by the Surfrider Foundation that evaluates coastal environments by a number of "Beach Health Indicators"
Blue Water Task Force - An all-volunteer led monitoring program that tests and reports on coastal water quality.
Ocean Friendly Restaurants - An outreach program designed to reduce single-use plastic. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants program offers restaurants an easy way to show their commitment to making sustainable choices for our ocean.
Rise Above Plastics - An educational program designed to raise awareness of and reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our marine environments.
Beachapedia A wiki-based coastal information resource drawing on expertise of Surfrider Foundation experts and activists.
In November 2018 the Surfrider Foundation launched a campaign declaring "We are the United States and Oceans of America". The campaign sought to inform people that America is made up of more water than land and that the ocean is the responsibility of all Americans. America’s oceans cover nearly 4.5 million square miles, which is about 20% greater than U.S. landmass.
Events
Surfrider Oahu Chapter hosts the annual John Kelly Environmental Awards in Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu every year in November to coincide with the surf season kick-off, aka the Vans Triple Crown. Awards are dedicated to those who "have helped protect and enhance our coastal community and environment". Three awards are given each year; Lifetime achievement Award, Oahu-based Organization Award and Professional Surfer Award. Lifetime Achievement
Cora Sanchez
Mark Cunningham
Yvon Chouinard
Shaun Tomson
Randy Rarick
Peter Cole
Larry McElheny
George Downing
John Kelly
Oahu-Based Company
Kona Brewing Company
Honolulu Weekly
Bill Braden
Styrophobia
Pacific Biodiesel
Schnitzer Steel
Jack Johnson/Brushfire Records
Patagonia - Haleiwa
Oceanit
Professional Surfer
Kyle Thiermann
Duane DeSoto
The Malloy Brothers
Dave Rastovich
James Pribram
Pancho Sullivan
Rochelle Ballard
Kelly Slater
Rob Machado
Chapters
Surfrider is organized into a network of regional chapters and student clubs. There are 70 Surfrider chapters located along the US East, West, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaiian and Puerto Rico coasts.
