Locals are taking matters into their own hands to protect Playa Zicatela. Photo: SurfHolidays.com
Local surfers in Puerto Escondido are seeking USD $17,000 to fund a study on the bathymetry of Playa Zicatela. Thus far, they’ve received nearly $14,000.
The calls for a study come after efforts by the local community to remove a jetty at Bahia Principal on the north end of the beach, which was causing Zicatela to widen and alter the surf break.
The fundraiser says that a scientific study of Zicatela — including the shape and movement of the sea floor, currents and sediment transport, and how human intervention affects wave quality — will be a tool to show the government as they create future infrastructure projects and coastal plans.
This morning, YouTube vlog star Nathan Florence became the fundraiser’s biggest donor as he forked over $1,000. Florence has logged his fair share of tube time at the “Mexican Pipeline.”
The donated funds will go towards oceanographic and bathymetry studies, data analysis and technical reporting, and tools necessary to read coastal dynamics and wave formation.
“If you’ve ever surfed Zicatela, dreamed of surfing it, or believe in protecting waves through science and community action, this is your chance to help,” the fundraiser says.
According to the fundraiser, they’ve already generated enough funding to start conducting studies. In a March 16 update, organizers said that a team from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México has arrived in Puerto Escondido to start bathymetric research.
Local big-wave legend Coco Nogales has been a leading advocate behind the project.
“Zicatela is not just a beach, it’s one of the most magical and powerful waves in the world,” Nogales said. “Today we have the opportunity to project it.”
