Photo / Design: Arnold Worldwide and Cream Studios
Surfers are unique in our ability to harness the natural world around us and make it our playground. However, it’s imperative that our interaction doesn’t stop there. As surfers, we have an obligation to take care of our beaches, oceans, and the environment around us in order to ensure its continuity. After all, if we don’t care for it, who else will? There are several ways to act accordingly, including, but not limited to, practicing proper recycling and water usage, conducting beach clean ups, and working with nonprofit organizations. For those who don’t necessarily have the time to coordinate a beach clean up every Saturday, or perhaps would like to lend a helping hand beyond recycling, supporting nonprofits are a great way to help out. I broke down five of the most impactful nonprofits in the surf space. These groups work exceptionally hard to protect our coastlines and communities beyond for generations to come.
Mission: The protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network.
Established in 1984, the Surfrider Foundation has been nothing short of fantastic in its 30+ years of protecting the world’s oceans and coastlines. With chapters in almost every corner of the globe, the foundation has launched several campaigns and programs to combat oceanic issues from all angles. The foundation envisions healthy coasts through engaged activists who spread the word and work to create a sustainable future. Interested in getting involved? Visit their website and keep up with your local chapter, become a member, donate, and volunteer.
Mission: To protect and preserve the coastal environment with a focus on the surf zone.
A nonprofit with a similar motive to the Surfrider Foundation is Save The Waves Coalition. Founded in 2001, the foundation operates mainly in San Clemente, California, but they’ve done one hell of a job spreading the message of sustainability around the globe. They believe that surfing provides a proactive vehicle for long-term coastal conservation, bringing together those who are passionate about the ocean. The nonprofit works by partnering with communities, determining the value of the surfing environment in that specific area, and instilling campaigns while educating the public. If you’re interested in contributing you can become a sustaining member, donate to the cause, and pick up some of their awesome merchandise online.
3. SurfAid
Mission: Improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.
SurfAid began in 2000 when a group of surfers discovered the alarming amount of preventable deaths occurring in the Mentawai Islands. Knowing they could make a difference, they used their resources and the Indonesian government and people to help island communities battle malaria, water contamination, sanitation, natural disasters, malnutrition, and mother and child health issues. With their “hand up” not “hand out” philosophy, the foundation aims to teach rather than tell in order to instill self-reliance and respect the cultures and customs of the communities. Getting involved is easy. Anyone can start a fundraiser, give a gift, or simply listen to their Spotify playlist, which automatically raises money every time a song is played.
Mission: Provide hope and confidence to individuals living with genetic diseases. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, we introduce surfing as a natural therapy.
It’s almost impossible to frown while surfing a wave. Surfing brings immense joy and has the power to uplift and heal. Established in 2007, the Maui Ola Foundation takes advantage of this truth by giving kids with health challenges a chance to experience the beauty of surfing. For those unable to make it into the water, the foundation also visits children in hospitals around the United States. In 2010, Maui Ola was awarded The Agent of Change Award by Surfer Magazine in recognition of their success and achievements in the surf industry. If you’d like to get involved, you can volunteer at a surf event, donate to the cause, and shop their variety of products online.
Mission: Get clean water to everyone who needs it.
Everyone should have access to clean water. It’s shocking that in the 21st century about 750 million people around the world do not have this privilege. That’s roughly one in nine people who are unable to drink from a safe source. Waves for Water aims to change that through projects that target areas in need all over the globe. The organization wants as many people involved and aware of the cause as possible. Anyone is welcome sign up, start a fundraiser, make a donation, and purchase a variety of filters used at home or in communities without access to potable water.
