Featuring...Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation

Surfers often refer to themselves as the indicator “species” for ocean water quality.  They surf year-round, exposing themselves to the elements as well as any pollution.

The Surfrider Foundation, 37,000 members nationally and growing, is an international non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches.  Surfrider Foundation, like COA, celebrates 20 years in 2004.  The Jersey Shore Chapter is one of Surfrider’s 65 chapters in the US.

As a COA Participating Organization, the Surfrider Foundation - Jersey Shore Chapter is an active ocean defender, working at the national, state, and local levels to raise awareness, improve ocean water quality, and increase beach access.  Chapter volunteers test local waters regularly in the “Blue Water Task Force” program, educate students with the “Respect the Beach” program, which includes the “Sea to Summit” watershed video featuring professional surfers, skateboarders, and snowboarders.  Surfrider Foundation volunteers are often seen and heard at public hearings regarding beach replenishment, ocean dumping, and public beach access.   

The Jersey Shore Chapter, as well as the newest chapter in south Jersey, has signed the Statement of Support for the Clean Ocean Zone, a project led by COA. 

“Our chapter is all volunteer and we value COA’s research on issues like dredging and ocean dumping.  We do not have the capacity to do all that science, so we look to COA for leadership,” said John Weber, Chairperson of the Jersey Shore Chapter.  “At the same time, we represent a different set of

recreational users and round out COA’s coalition.”

In addition, chapter members strive to open and preserve surfing beaches, host and participate in surf clinics and contests, and participate in public events.  Surfrider members also volunteer their time and effort organizing and participating in COA’s Beach Sweeps twice each year.  The chapter hosted and organized three locations at the most recent Fall Beach Sweeps and helped call volunteers to all Sweeps sites.  Thank you!

For more information about programs, membership, or events of the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org/jerseyshore. 

Adapted from Surfrider Foundation – Jersey Shore Chapter’s website, with contributions by John Weber.