On the warm weekend of October 18th, 2024, Surfrider chapters from around the world came together in Long Beach, California to celebrate Surfrider’s 40th Anniversary.
The weekend was packed with guest speakers, workshop activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow Surfrider members from California, Washington, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Senegal, Portugal and more. The energy was electric, and it’s safe to say everyone was chasing the stoke.
Guest speakers at the summit ranged in their influence and techniques to encourage climate activism in their craft. For example, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s newest book What If We Get It Right explores climate solutions in the face of a “doom and gloom” climate narrative. There was also Ryan Gellert, the CEO of Patagonia, discussing the company’s sustainable initiatives and his own personal career journey which led him to Patagonia. And, of course, there couldn’t be a Surfrider summit without a renowned surfer such as celebrity big wave rider Greg Long, who shared his inspiring story of how surfing and climate activism go hand-in-hand.
Workshop activities ranged from Blue Water Task Force successes with guest speakers from Un Mar de Colores, how to create effective campaigns, and even a field trip to the Ocean Friendly Garden in Long Beach!
Photo: Kathryn Dressendorfer
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend and Surfrider San Francisco cannot wait to bring the energy from the summit to our chapter meetings, clean ups, and campaign events. Our impact is significant and noticed, and we wouldn’t be here without you!
Take a look at some of the highlights from the weekend:
Coastal Champion Chapter & Club Award Winners
During the weekend, the Surfrider Foundation unveiled a newly created Coastal Champion Awards. These awards were given to chapters and clubs that are doing extraordinary work to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches across the country. We are happy to announce that the Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) program from the San Francisco Chapter was one of the winners!
By collaborating with the local community Far Out West Garden, the San Francisco OFG Program hosted an interactive OFG workshop series to educate volunteers about native plants, rainwater retention, and sustainable garden maintenance. Workshops like these are empowering volunteers with the knowledge and skills to take action at home and in their communities for a greener, more resilient future. Congrats to Jane Lew and Marley Salangsang, our beloved Ocean Friendly Program leads!
Ocean Friendly Gardens at Far Out West Community Garden in San Francisco - Photo: Surfrider SF
Learn more about the great work all these Coastal Champions are accomplishing in their communities in this blog article. Congrats to all the winners!
Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia
Ryan Gellert (left), CEO of Patagonia and Chad Nelsen (right), CEO of Surfrider Foundation - Photo: Shelly Guidera
Patagonia needs no introduction. A leading brand in outdoor clothing and gear, it stands out from its peers through a strong commitment to nature conservation. For nearly 50 years, Patagonia has supported grassroots groups working to find solutions to the environmental crisis. Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia, discussed his journey with Chad Nelsen, CEO of Surfrider, and reflected on how it led him to the company, as well as the brand’s history, which was founded by Yvon Chouinard.
Patagonia’s commitment to protecting the planet makes it a unique case in the fashion and business industries. From manufacturing clothing using materials that cause less harm to the environment to its Repair and trade-in program (Worn Wear), every step is an opportunity to do better.
“The World is a better place with Surfrider in it.”
Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia
In 2022, they made headlines by announcing that each year, the profits they earn, after reinvesting in the business, will be distributed as dividends to help fight the crisis: 100% of the company’s voting stock was transferred to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, created to protect the company’s values, and 100% of the non-voting stock was given to the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the environmental crisis and defending nature.
Ryan invited us to reflect on our own relationship with consumption and to become owners (of objects and clothes that we can repair and take good care of) rather than just consumers. This is a unique example that we hope will inspire others in the industry to do better.
Greg Long, Big Wave Surfer and Environmental Activist
Greg Long - Photo: Shelly Guidera
In a career that now spans two decades, Greg Long, 35, has been awarded virtually every title in the big wave riding arena. He provided us with an in-depth look into his adventures around the globe in pursuit of the world’s largest and most dangerous waves, as well as his battles as an environmental activist. He encouraged us to continue creating a wave of change with persistence, devotion, and a commitment to giving back. Greg Long also emphasized the responsibility that comes with enjoying our natural spaces, such as surf spots, encouraging others to take care of the land to ensure it remains beautiful and accessible for everyone: “As much as it’s your free land of joy, take care of it.”
Learn more about Greg Long
What If We Get It Right? By Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Chad Nelsen, CEO of Surfrider - Photo: Geraldyne Masson
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native, co-founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank dedicated to the future of coastal cities. She recently shared her passion for climate solutions and introduced her latest book, What If We Get It Right? Her credo? Promoting climate solutions doesn’t have to be boring! On her book tour, Dr. Johnson infuses her presentations with comedy and even magic, proving you can discuss serious issues in a joyful, creative environment. In her conversation with Surfrider CEO Chad Nelsen, she emphasized the importance of love, tenacity, and celebrating every small win in the fight for a sustainable future.
Want to learn more?
Follow her on Instagram, listen to How to Save a Planet, the podcast she co-created or read her last books, What If We Get It Right?
San Francisco Surfrider Chapter Team - Photo: Shelly Guidera
Feel inspired? Join Surfrider San Francisco in our mission to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches for everyone. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, there's no better time to get involved! Whether you’re passionate about environmental advocacy, community outreach, or hands-on projects, we welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and skills. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Sign up today and help us create a cleaner, healthier future for our coastal ecosystems!
Cover Photo: Chad Nelsen, CEO of Surfrider Foundation - Photo by Shelly Guidera