The Everlasting Tide: Save The Waves Coalition Charts a Course for Surf Ecosystem Preservation

“The coast is never saved, it’s always being saved.” These words, spoken by the late Peter Douglas, former executive director of the California Coastal Commission, resonate deeply within the surf conservation movement. Douglas’s enduring message underscored the spirit of the 2025 Save The Waves Coalition Summit, a three-day gathering held last week in Santa Cruz, California, bringing together over 100 members, partners, and guests from across the globe.

Beyond the Surf: Broadening the Conservation Tent

A central theme emerging from the summit was the critical need to expand the base of support for surf conservation. The conversation shifted from solely appealing to surfers to demonstrating the broader economic and ecological significance of waves to lawmakers and the public. Recent research commissioned by Save The Waves (STW) revealed that surfing contributes nearly $200 million annually to Santa Cruz’s economy. This economic engine is, however, threatened by projected sea level rise, potentially diminishing the quality of beloved surf breaks and impacting revenue streams.

STW’s approach isn’t about imposing solutions; it’s about facilitating collaboration. The organization champions a coalition-based model, empowering local communities to identify and implement protective measures tailored to their specific needs. This decentralized strategy recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to coastal conservation is ineffective.

Did You Know? The World Surfing Reserves network currently encompasses 13 iconic surfing locations worldwide, each benefiting from localized conservation efforts.

Global Strategies for Local Impact

Mauro Figueiredo, a Brazilian environmental lawyer and founder of APRENDER Ecology Institute, highlighted the power of this collaborative model. His work with Conservation International-Brazil focuses on establishing a national network of Brazilian surfing reserves. “If you build a platform that engages people, government and policy makers, you don’t need a specific law,” Figueiredo explained. “You can integrate other regulations that protect coastal zones within the framework of surfing reserves.” He believes surfing reserves can accelerate public policy implementation and empower communities to advocate for wave protection.

This sentiment aligns with a growing convergence of science, technology, and surfing. Researchers are working to formally define the “surf ecosystem” – encompassing social, ecological, and geophysical elements – as a framework for managing coastal resources. Cliff Kapono, a professional freesurfer with a PhD in chemistry, and Dan Reineman, a professor of environmental science, are co-authoring a paper to this effect. Their work emphasizes the interconnectedness of these systems and the impact of human activity.

“Depending on how we use and take advantage of these things and services, society is going to have an impact on these ecosystems,” Reineman stated. “We need to expand our thinking to focus our efforts more clearly.” Nik Strong-Cvetich, Save The Waves’ SEO specialist, added, “These different lenses help us focus not just on the wave, but on the conditions that create the wave and who the beneficiaries are.”

Tech-Enabled Conservation: From Fundraising to Transparency

Innovative solutions are emerging from grassroots initiatives. In North Devon, UK, surfers are developing “Protect Your Patch,” a fundraising tool inspired by “adopt a highway” programs. Individuals can “sponsor” a section of the local surfing reserve, receiving online recognition and contributing to restoration projects. The initiative aims to foster a deeper emotional connection to the coastline and fund the Coastal Rivers Project, focused on improving water quality and reducing erosion.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, surfers Miles Masterson and Mike Schlebach are leveraging technology to combat threats from mining operations. Their app, Ripl, tracks applications for mining and resource extraction permits, providing a platform for public comment and accountability. The app has dramatically increased public engagement, prompting hundreds of objections to projects that previously received minimal scrutiny.

What role does personal experience play in driving conservation efforts? Do near-death experiences alter one’s priorities and commitment to environmental stewardship?

A Shift in Perspective: From Accolades to Action

Big wave surfer Greg Long embodies this shift in perspective. A near-fatal incident in 2012 prompted him to prioritize conservation alongside his surfing career. “For me, it was a realization that all these awards and accolades really didn’t mean shit to me,” Long shared. “It was the moments of my life I’d done something to give back, to help in some capacity. That’s what I look at as my greatest gift to the world.” He now dedicates his time to reducing plastic pollution, protecting surf breaks, and promoting sustainable tourism.

The Save The Waves Coalition’s summit underscored a fundamental truth: protecting our waves requires a collective effort, driven by science, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems. The tide is always turning, and the work of saving our coasts is never truly finished.