"Riding Waves Sustainability"

The Ride Begins: How Surf Clubs and Competitions Revolutionized the Sport

It's not every day that you see a group of young surfers gathered at the beach, laughing and joking as they paddle out to catch the next big wave. But in the 1960s and 1970s, something exciting was happening on the waves. The rise of surf clubs and competitions marked a turning point for the sport, bringing a new level of organization, camaraderie, and excitement to surfing.

Let's take the example of the legendary Big Wave Surfing competition, held annually in Hawaii since 1958. For decades, surfers from around the world would travel to the islands to compete against each other for supremacy on the biggest waves. The event was known for its challenging conditions and the sense of adventure that came with riding massive swells.

However, as the popularity of Big Wave Surfing grew, so did concerns about the environmental impact of these events. Rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, and erosion of coastal ecosystems were just a few of the issues surfers began to raise their voices about. In response, many clubs and competitions started to take steps towards sustainability.

The Birth of Sustainable Surfing

One of the pioneers in this movement was the legendary surfer and environmentalist, Phil Edwards. In the 1980s, Edwards founded the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and waves. The foundation started by launching a campaign called "Beach Cleanup Day," which encouraged surfers to gather on beaches and pick up trash.

Edwards' efforts sparked a nationwide movement, with thousands of surfers participating in beach cleanups and conservation initiatives. The Surfrider Foundation also developed a range of sustainable surfing practices, including using eco-friendly sunscreen, reducing waste, and promoting responsible water use.

The Rise of Surf Clubs and Competitions

As the environmental movement gained momentum, surf clubs and competitions started to evolve. Many clubs began to incorporate sustainability into their operations, using environmentally friendly equipment, transportation, and accommodations. Competitions also started to take a more eco-friendly approach, with rules and regulations in place to reduce waste and promote responsible surfing.

Some notable examples of sustainable surfing events include:

• The Pipeline Masters Surf Competition, which has been running for over 40 years and is known for its challenging surf and stunning natural beauty.
• The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, a series of events that includes the Volcom Pipe Pro, the Quiksilver Pro, and the Billabong Pro. Each event promotes sustainable surfing practices, including reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly accommodations.
• The Global Surf Summit, an annual conference held in Hawaii that brings together surfers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to discuss sustainability and social responsibility in surfing.

The Future of Surfing: Sustainability and Environmental Impact

As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that sustainability and environmental impact will remain top priorities. From reducing waste and using eco-friendly equipment to promoting responsible water use and protecting coastal ecosystems, surfers can make a real difference.

While there is still much work to be done, the rise of sustainable surfing has shown us that we can ride the waves while also taking care of our planet. As Phil Edwards once said, "The ocean is not just a place to surf – it's a living, breathing ecosystem that requires our respect and protection." Sustainable Surfing: A Growing Movement

Criteria	Big Wave Surfing Competition (1958)	Surfrider Foundation (1980s)	Modern Sustainable Surfing Practices
Environmental Impact	Rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, erosion of coastal ecosystems	Beach cleanup and conservation initiatives, eco-friendly equipment, transportation, accommodations	Reducing waste, promoting responsible surfing practices, using eco-friendly sunscreen, water use management
Sustainability Focus	Minimal environmental impact, no specific focus on sustainability	Non-profit organization dedicated to ocean protection, advocacy for sustainable surfing practices	Promoting eco-friendly accommodations, reducing energy consumption, implementing sustainable water management systems
Community Involvement	Limited to competitive surfers and enthusiasts	Surfrider Foundation members, volunteers, and supporters from around the world	Engaging with local communities, promoting beach cleanups, and hosting environmental events
Industry Recognition	No specific recognition as a pioneer in sustainable surfing	Surfrider Foundation's "Beach Cleanup Day" campaign recognized by industry leaders	Partnering with surf brands to promote eco-friendly products and practices

Comparison Table

	Big Wave Surfing Competition (1958)	Surfrider Foundation (1980s)	Modern Sustainable Surfing Practices
Environmental Impact	Minimal environmental impact	Minimal environmental impact, with some minor issues	Minimal environmental impact, with minimal negative impacts
Sustainability Focus	No specific focus on sustainability	Limited to competitive surfers and enthusiasts	Promoting eco-friendly surfing practices throughout the industry
Community Involvement	Competitive surfers and enthusiasts only	Non-profit organization dedicated to ocean protection	Engaging with local communities, promoting environmental events
Industry Recognition	No recognition as a pioneer in sustainable surfing	Surfrider Foundation's "Beach Cleanup Day" campaign recognized by industry leaders	Partnering with surf brands to promote eco-friendly products and practices

Overall, the Big Wave Surfing Competition has laid the groundwork for modern sustainable surfing practices. The Surfrider Foundation's efforts have inspired a wider movement towards environmental responsibility in the surfing community, with many clubs and competitions adopting sustainable practices throughout their operations.