The Surfrider Foundation Turns 30
The nonprofit honors its heritage and 250,000 supporters around the world with first-ever online timeline and 2015 t-shirt design contest
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Aug. 22, 2014—Thirty years ago today, the Articles of Incorporation where filed for the formation of the Surfrider Foundation (surfrider.org), which has since become the largest non-profit grassroots organization with a 250,000-plus volunteer-activist network solely dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
Three decades ago a group of surfers, Glenn Hening, Lance Carson and Tom Pratte, realized their favorite wave was about to be destroyed. They took action.
Not even they could have envisioned the history they were making when they succeeded in protecting their beloved surf spot.
“Now, 30 years after Tom, Lance and I got the Foundation off the ground, Surfrider’s wave is being ridden by thousands of people around the world,” says Glen Hening. “And THAT’s the future of surfing: a shared commitment to protecting our waves and beaches for ourselves, our children, and future generations of Surfriders.”
Today, the Surfrider Foundation is measurably stronger, with more force and movement than ever before. It has 84 chapters, including 30 high school and college clubs, and more than 250,000 activists, supporters and volunteers, fighting 90 active campaigns around the country. Armed with a model to defend the coast, the organization has achieved a record of 271 victories (and counting) since 2006.
Filled with times of uncertainty, it hasn’t been easy. The Surfrider Foundation’s long-term success and growth is a tribute to its founder’s vision, that taking on an environmental battle may not be easy, but with constant pressure, endlessly applied, it can be won. And key to this is what makes the organization unique, its people.
“Success always starts with the people,” says Michelle Kremer, the Surfrider Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do and be as successful as we are without the tireless focus and efforts of our dedicated volunteers, staff and board members.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Surfrider chapters are encouraged to hold special meetings and events. In honor of the organization’s heritage, its activists, supporters and members, the Surfrider Foundation launched the first-ever online timeline, and 2015 membership tee-shirt design contest.
As our coasts continue to be threated by dirty water, single-use plastics, irresponsible coastal development, loss of beach access, ecosystem destruction and more, Surfrider Foundation’s work is critical.
Are you passionate and committed to protecting our coasts? Check out the timeline, enter the contest, find a Surfrider chapter near you and get involved at Surfrider.org.
About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains more than 250,000 supporters, activists and members worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org.
Surfrider Media Contact: Katie Ferguson, 949-212-3335, kferguson@surfrider.org
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