On Wednesday, we celebrated Surfrider’s 34th birthday. And, in honor of the past 34 years and a historic milestone achievement of 500 coastal victories for the protection of the ocean and coasts, we’re also pleased to announce the launch of a new logo and wordmark.
Since Surfrider’s first iconic win in 1984 to defend Malibu’s famed surfing break, the Surfrider Foundation has worked to preserve the ocean, waves, and beaches through a nationwide volunteer-led network. The debut of our brand rollout is a tribute to the thousands of volunteers, members, and supporters who have contributed to Surfrider’s coastal victories the past three decades.
Surfrider defines a victory as a decision made in favor of the coastal and ocean environment that results in a positive conservation outcome, improves coastal access, or does both. Every single day, government bodies make decisions that impact the coastal resources we use and cherish. Surfrider’s vision is to influence these decisions through our powerful activist network to achieve 100 percent protection of the coasts.
Since Surfrider was founded on August 22, 1984, we have been known for our special breed of grassroots activism. Our chapters and members work tirelessly to defend our coasts from looming threats like seawalls, oil drilling, and loss of public access. We also flex our muscles in the policy arena to pass laws that will protect coastal and ocean resources into the future.
With every government decision made in our favor, Surfrider moves closer to achieving our mission of protecting the ocean, waves, and beaches for all people. Whether passing laws to curb plastic pollution, strengthening water quality standards or establishing marine protected areas, our impact extends to virtually every mile of U.S. coastline, and often far beyond.
Moreover, a review of our victory list reveals the breadth and diversity of our advocacy efforts. From local wins secured by our chapter network against daunting odds, to state and national victories that showcase Surfrider’s increasing influence in ocean policy, our efforts are driven by the most serious threats facing our coastlines.
Grassroots campaigns represent the very essence of the Surfrider Foundation. And when we win, it’s more than just a victory for our coastlines – it’s a validation that our theory of change works. It is clear that a dedicated community of coastal advocates can triumph in the face of all manner of threats.
As we celebrate 34 years of transforming passion into protection and our 500th victory, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our work over the past decades. These victories belong to all of us – chapter leaders, grassroots activists, coalition partners and staff. And, of course, our generous members and donors whose financial support makes it all possible. Here’s to the next 500 victories!
VICTORY HIGHLIGHTS IN SURFRIDER’S HISTORY
1991 – HUMBOLDT PULP MILL SHUT DOWN
Surfrider wins the second largest Clean Water Act suit in United States history against two pulp mills in Humboldt County, California.
2000 – BEACH ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
President Bill Clinton signs into law the BEACH Act to establish nationwide standards for beach water quality monitoring.
2011 – MAINE BEACH ACCESS GRANTED
Surfrider wins a public beach access case in Maine when the State Supreme Court rules that private ownership rights cannot exclude the public from the beach.
2013 – HONOLUA BAY PRESERVED
The Maui Chapter joins native Hawaiian groups and other partners in stopping development of a golf course and luxury homes overlooking Honolua Bay, Hawaii.
2016 – ATLANTIC PROTECTED FROM OFFSHORE DRILLING
The Atlantic coast is protected from offshore oil drilling after Surfrider helps to pass more than 120 local government resolutions.
2016 – TRESTLES SAVED
Saved Trestles, a world-class surfing break in California, by stopping a six-lane toll road from running through San Onofre State Beach with a landmark 2016 settlement agreement, ending the longest-running environmental battle in CA history.
2016 – CALIFORNIA PLASTIC BAG BAN
Surfrider helps pass Proposition 67 in California to uphold the nation’s first statewide single-use plastic bag ban.
2018 – WASHINGTON’S COAST PROTECTED
Washington state adopts a marine spatial plan to protect its Pacific coast after a decade of advocacy from Surfrider and other ocean stakeholders.
