As surfers, we get to experience the ocean at its most awe-inspiring but also witness its alarming degradation up close. Once pristine beaches are now littered with plastic debris, majestic coral reefs are bleached and dying while dolphins, sharks and sea turtles are struggling to survive. Our oceans are important climate sinks that moderate the rate of climate change but they are being pounded with a garbage truck's worth of plastic every minute.
This environmental crisis demands action and surfers are answering the call, with dozens of nonprofits taking important steps to safeguard our beloved playgrounds. They are encouraging us to think globally and act locally while surfing with purpose and inspiring those around us to do the same.
Read on to discover 10 sustainable surf organisations to follow in 2024, all of which are doing their bit to protect our ocean environments.
Surfers for Climate
Surfers for Climate is an Australian charity making waves for climate action. In 2019, Johnny Abegg and Belinda Baggs attended a climate summit on the Great Barrier Reef and were blown away learning about the role oceans play in addressing climate change.
In response (and inspired by the power of collective action), Surfers for Climate formed to rally the surf community to work towards climate solutions. Since then, thousands of Aussie surfers have jumped on board to make impactful, positive change. Together, they’re educating, inspiring and mobilising fellow wave-riders to care for our coastal communities by stopping new offshore drilling and engaging politicians to implement climate solutions.
At its core, Surfers for Climate honors the deep connection between surf culture and nature. They respect Indigenous wisdom, welcome all identities and abilities, and channel surfing’s fun-loving roots to change the world through thoughtful action over apathy.
Surfrider Foundation
Protecting the waves we love to ride and the beaches we love to relax on—that’s the mission of the Surfrider Foundation. Founded in 1984, Surfrider has grown into one of the world’s largest groups dedicated to coastal conservation and is one of the top sustainable surf organisations to follow. With chapters around the globe, this grassroots nonprofit mobilises everyday people to participate in projects that keep our beaches clean and our oceans healthy.
Over the years, Surfrider has racked up some major wins, like banning plastic bags in California, blocking oil drilling off the Atlantic coast, and preventing a toll road from plowing through “Trestles”. These victories show the power of people coming together to protect the places they cherish. In addition to donating to their efforts, you can participate in beach cleanups, sign petitions about key environmental issues or attend film screenings.
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Save the Waves Coalition
Pristine surf breaks threatened by development and communities rallying to protect their beaches are the focus of Save the Waves. Established in 2001 after a wave was ruined in Madeira, this global nonprofit defends the world's most iconic surf spots and coastlines through its World Surfing Reserves program. To date, they have designated 11 reserves across the Americas, Australia and Portugal, recognising their environmental, cultural and economic importance.
In addition, Save The Waves battles privatisation, pollution and climate change, as well as collaborates with governments on sustainable policies. They empower people to monitor coasts through their Endangered Waves app and unite surfers to preserve access to incredible waves. Aside from donating, you can volunteer on one of Save the Waves’ projects or shop their online store.
Surfers Against Sewage
Founded in 1990, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is a grassroots movement of surfers dedicated to saving our shores. It empowers communities across the UK to protect beaches, wildlife and surf spots through volunteer projects, education, research and advocacy.
Originally focused on cleaning up sewage pollution, SAS has expanded its mission to tackle the plastic plague swamping our seas. As they say, "Plastic pollution is the new sewage. Tackling it is our number one priority.”
If you want to get involved, you can donate to Surfers Against Sewage, fundraise for their efforts or join one of their regular beach cleanups. The organisation also encourages surfers to reduce their plastic waste by making simple lifestyle tweaks that can have a big impact.
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Take3 For the Sea
A simple call to action has grown into a global movement to keep our beaches and waterways clean. Founded in 2009 by surfer Amanda Marechal, marine ecologist Roberta Dixon-Valk and environmentalist Tim Silverwood, Take3 For the Sea is a nonprofit with a mission to reduce plastic pollution through community participation. Their rallying cry? “Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere special.”
This Australian-born organisation now has a presence in 129 countries, thanks to the power of social media. Their goal is to educate people and inspire them to clean up after themselves when enjoying nature's beauty. You can join the cause by following their slogan, donating to educational initiatives and participating in beach cleanups.
4Ocean
During a surf trip to Bali, Andrew Cooper and Alex Schulze were horrified by the plastic choking the island’s beaches and decided they had to act. In response, the 4Ocean Bracelet was born - a symbol of hope, crafted from 100% recycled materials. Each bracelet sold funds the removal of one pound of trash from oceans and coastlines around the world. Since 2017, over 970,000 pounds of plastic have been pulled from the waves thanks to 4Ocean's cleanup crews.
But 4Ocean's mission runs deeper than cleanups. They frequently partner with conservation groups to protect marine species that face extinction from pollution, overfishing and climate change. 4Ocean uses its platform to raise awareness and support solutions that will impact our beaches and coastlines for the better.
Sustainable Surf
Based in sunny Southern California, Sustainable Surf is on a mission to transform surf culture into a force for good. This crew of eco-warriors is paddling out to confront some major issues threatening our seas - climate change, plastic pollution, contaminated water - and shaking up the multi-billion dollar global surf industry.
It all starts with the boards we ride. The way most surfboards are made uses nasty materials that trash the environment and endanger wildlife and humans alike. Each year over 300,000 tons of polluting polyurethane surfboards are produced when there are more sustainable options out there.
In response, Sustainable Surf established its ECOBOARD Project, convincing manufacturers worldwide to produce surfboards from recycled and renewable materials that reduce carbon emissions. You can support their efforts by making earth-friendly choices when gearing up, from your board to your wetsuit and all those surf accessories.
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SurfAid International
Good health and well-being can feel out of reach when you live in a remote region. But SurfAid International is bridging the gap, driven by the bonds between people and places forged by surfing. The organisation was founded in 2000 by Dr. Dave Jenkins after he witnessed the poor health conditions of locals during a surf trip in the Mentawais.
Though SurfAid’s humble beginnings focused on health education and malaria prevention, it rapidly gained global attention following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. During the disaster, SurfAid workers were able to provide vital medical aid to isolated communities impacted by the devastation.
Headquartered in Medan, Indonesia and with satellite offices worldwide, SurfAid International continues its life-saving work today through ambitious initiatives. These include a multi-year malaria elimination program done in partnership with the Indonesian government and UNICEF, and bringing healthcare, clean water and sanitation to remote communities.
Surfers for Cetaceans
This band of Australian wave riders is dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins and other cetaceans that face grave threats from human actions. Their mission: rally the tribes of surfers, divers and ocean lovers to defend and conserve our blue planet. From grassroots education to impactful media campaigns, Surfers for Cetaceans makes noise for marine life.
Around the globe, whales, dolphins and other cetaceans are negatively impacted by harassment, capture and slaughter. By mobilising boardriders, Surfers for Cetaceans aims to safeguard these intelligent, social creatures who bring joy and wonder to all who encounter them. Through compassion and dedicated activism, this team of ocean defenders seeks to spread the joy of cetaceans far and wide.
Surf Without Borders
The team behind Surf Without Borders understands the power held by the ocean's waves to uplift and empower our lives. It all started with a small seed of an idea: taking kids surfing from underserved communities in Cape Town. While exploring this concept further, the team uncovered scientifically-backed studies on the benefits of surfing and ocean therapy, from improving physical and mental health to providing exciting new experiences.
Surf Without Borders envisions a future where surfing and the ocean transform wellbeing for all. Through partnerships worldwide, they believe that surfing can become a force of therapeutic change, improving mental, physical and overall health around the globe. Through their work, they empower communities, promote eco-education and create positive ripples across the globe.