Surfrider: Let’s Ride The Waves to a Cleaner Beach

By: Carsen OttAlexander Burgos Collazo

Joan Rodriguez SuarezPedro J.Vazquez

An Introduction to Surfrider

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research and education ( also known as C.A.R.E.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktt0eLuLih0

A Brief HistoryThe Surfrider Foundation was established in Malibu, California in 1984 by a group of surfers.

They began as a small group by protesting threats towards their Malibu Point surf break.

Today, there are over 50,000 members in 80 different chapters worldwide spanning from Florida to Brazil and Japan.

The Rincón Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has been working in the community for several years with the goal of protecting our coasts natural resources and engaging the Rincón community in coastal zone management decisions

The Victory of The Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

The Surfrider Foundation was successful in establishing the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Puerto Rico, which is the first marine reserve established on the island.

It is one of the world’s first marine protected areas that include surfing as a key component. This marine reserve will protect both coastal ecosystems and surfing.

The Tres Palmas beach has earned a global reputation for its "giant" surfing waves and for possessing one of the healthiest Elkhorn coral reef colonies in the Caribbean. This coral has a vital ecological importance to the shores of Rincón, the health of the sea and the species that inhabit it.

Activities and Events

Surfrider stages activities such as:

Pot-lucks (picnics)

Paddle-outs

Concerts (fundraising)

Beach clean-ups

Boat rides

Snorkeling and scuba diving to clean the reefs

Art projects at local schools

Steps Beach Cleanup, Rincón

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling to

Clean the Reefs

Art Projects at Local Schools

Volunteer with children at local elementary schools to promote environmental consciousness in the younger generation.

Students paint pictures and discuss environmental issues in Puerto Rico and what they can or want to do to help.

How You Can Become Involved in The Surfrider Foundation Rincón

Chapter:

• 1.Attend a Monthly Meeting held on the first Thursday of every month.

• 2.Sign up to volunteer for one of the many events or activities held

throughout the month.

• 3.Sign up to be on Surfrider’s mailing list to receive emails about events.

• 4.Become a member.

• 5.Make a donation.

• 7. And/or Visit The Surfrider Foundation Rincón’s website to learn more:

http://www.surfrider.org/rincon

Benefits of becoming a member:

One year’s worth of Surfrider Foundation award winning publication, Making

Waves

Discounts at a number of retailers and restaraunts.

Surfrider Foundation membership stickers.

Surfrider Foundation Chapter contact and volunteer information.

For signups of $100 and above, you receive a special Surfrider Foundation t-

shirt and additional items.

Let’s give Surfrider an applause for keeping our

beaches clean