Activist Spotlight: Amanda Ejups — SF Blue Water Task Force Co-Lead

All photos thanks to Guru Khalsa @gurufoto, https://gurufoto.smugmug.com/

Amanda Ejups is the co-lead of the San Francisco Chapter's Blue Water Task Force, and the story of how she got there starts with an empty garage and a partner who came home from a Surfrider SF chapter meeting, full of ideas.

What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation? 

I'm the co-lead of the San Francisco Blue Water Task Force, Surfrider's volunteer-run water quality testing program. as well as a member of the SF chapter.

When and why did you get involved? 

I first got involved with Surfrider a few years ago after moving to San Francisco, starting out by volunteering at a beach cleanup or two. Then, in October 2025, my partner attended his first chapter meeting and came home with an unexpected question. He had learned about the Blue Water Task Force and was excited by its mission, but the team was struggling because they didn't have a permanent space for the lab. Since our garage was sitting empty, he asked if I'd be open to offering it as the new home for the lab.

It didn't take us long to say yes. It felt like a meaningful way to support Surfrider and help the program continue its important work. Over the following months, we transformed our garage into the San Francisco Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) lab. Being so closely connected to the project, I naturally became more involved with the program, and before long, I was offered the opportunity to serve as co-lead.

Amanda Ejups at the SF Blue Water Task Force Lab (also her garage). Photo: Guru Khalsa

What are some local issues affecting your ocean, waves, and beaches?

There are many issues facing our oceans, waves, and beaches in the Bay Area — from water quality and beach erosion to pollution. Through the Blue Water Task Force, I've learned so much more about the challenges surrounding clean water.

In San Francisco, we have an aging combined sewer system that can overflow during heavy rain events. When the system reaches capacity, a mix of stormwater runoff and sewage is discharged into the Bay and the ocean. This can cause elevated levels of Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination, making the water unsafe for people swimming, surfing, and enjoying other recreational water activities.

What surprised me most is that many people have no idea this is happening, and updating the city's aging infrastructure has yet to become a priority. As severe storms become more frequent, sea levels rise, and our climate continues to change, these water quality issues are likely to become even more common. That's why it's so important to monitor water quality, share the data with our community, and advocate for long-term solutions.

BWTF Co-Leads, Kyle Leftridge and Amanda Ejups. Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Photo: Guru Khalsa

What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience? 

It has been incredibly rewarding to watch our Blue Water Task Force volunteers become deeply engaged in every aspect of the program — from water quality testing and data analysis to community outreach and building meaningful connections with one another. We've welcomed local high school students, families, and so many others who share a love for the ocean and a passion for protecting it. As we're just getting the San Francisco lab up and running, I'm excited to see the program continue to grow and to bring many of the volunteers' creative ideas to life.

What inspires you to be active in ocean conservation? 

I grew up in Michigan, where I spent a lot of time on the lakes: swimming, sailing, and spending time with friends. Until my twenties, the ocean was a relatively unfamiliar place. But after spending extended time in Hawaii, and later living near Ocean Beach in San Francisco, I developed a deep appreciation for the ocean and the communities built around it.

These days you can find me out in the water as an aspiring surfer, taking long walks on the beach, or exploring tide pools along the coast. As I learned more about the environmental challenges facing our oceans and coastlines in Hawaii and California, I realized I wanted to dedicate my time and energy to helping protect these places for future generations.

Amanda Ejups at Ocean Beach (Lincoln Outfall) Photo: Guru Khalsa

What can Surfrider do to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment?  

One of the things I've enjoyed most about Surfrider San Francisco is seeing the chapter partner with incredible organizations like Queer Surf and the International Ocean Film Festival. These collaborations are a powerful way to strengthen our community, welcome people from diverse backgrounds, and amplify our collective impact. I hope Surfrider continues to build relationships not only with ocean-focused organizations, but also with local schools and other community groups. By showing up in support of their missions as well as our own, we can foster a more welcoming, inclusive community and inspire more people to get involved in protecting our coasts.

BWTF Volunteers from left: Dasha Bespalova, Brendan Howe, Chris Takahashi, Amanda Ejups, Kyle Leftridge, Newara Brosnan-Faltas

What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider? 

One of the most inspiring things about Surfrider is seeing how they take on the many challenges facing our oceans, beaches, and waves. You don't have to be a surfer to care about these issues – they impact everyone! Whether you're looking to make a difference in your local community or advocate for change at the state or national level, Surfrider provides countless ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

Anything else you'd like to add? 

Surfrider has been an incredible way to connect with the San Francisco community and meet people who share a passion for protecting our coastlines. I continue to be inspired by the organization's impact and the dedication of the volunteers who make its work possible. I'm grateful to play a small role in that mission and excited to see how the San Francisco Blue Water Task Force continues to grow and make a lasting impact on our community.

If anyone is interested in what the Blue Water Task Force is up to here in San Francisco, check out our website to learn more, or reach out to us at bwtf@sf.surfrider.org!

BWTF volunteer, Kennedy McKone testing the water sample back at the lab. Photo: Guru Khalsa

BWTF Co-Leads, Kyle Leftridge & Amanda Ejups at Baker Beach, San Francisco. Photo: Guru Khalsa

BWTF Co-Leads, Amanda Ejups & Kyle Leftridge at Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Photo: Guru Khalsa