Save The Waves Coalition is honored to be named ‘Environmentalist of the Year’ by Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)!!
It has been a monumental year for our team and partners. In the last 12 months, we have:
- Completed a groundbreaking report in Santa Cruz, California, detailing the ~$200 million Surfonomics study and the impacts of sea level rise on surf breaks. Check out ‘Climate Vulnerability Of California’s Natural Surfing Capital’ here.
- Unrolled our newest initiative, “Surf Ecosystem Insurance”, with the goal to protect the surf ecosystem and safeguard nearby communities. Check out this Guardian article that covered our efforts: Surfing breaks: could climate crisis insurance save El Salvador’s waves?
- Dedicated the Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve in March; this is the 14th World Surfing Reserve in our flagship program. Take a look at some of last year’s impact highlights!
Meanwhile, we’ve been advocating for new surf ecosystem protection in California, Azores, Mexico and more.
“We are so stoked and humbled to be recognized by SIMA for all of our work over the decades,” says Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves.
“The best part about this award is the recognition from the broader surf industry on the impact that we are having. We are running and launching thoughtful programs that are community-oriented and focus on long-term conservation impacts beyond tomorrow. And SIMA has been a crucial partner to Save The Waves in creating that impact.”
The Waterman’s Ball | Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)
The 2026 Waterman’s Ball, hosted by the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA), will take place on Friday, July 17th, at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. A cornerstone event for the surf industry, Waterman’s Ball brings together 200 leaders, executives, and surf enthusiasts to celebrate industry icons while raising funds to protect oceans, beaches, and waves.
Since its inception in 1989, Waterman’s Ball has raised more than $10 million in support of organizations dedicated to combating ocean pollution, preserving surf breaks, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
This year’s event will honor three individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on surfing and ocean conservation:
- Greg MacGillivray will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A legendary filmmaker and ocean advocate, MacGillivray has spent decades capturing the power and beauty of the ocean through iconic IMAX films while inspiring global audiences to appreciate and protect our planet’s waters.
- Matt Biolos will be recognized as Waterperson of the Year. As one of the most influential surfboard shapers of his generation and founder of …Lost Surfboards, Biolos has helped shape modern surfing through innovation, performance design, and a deep connection to surf culture.
- Save The Waves Coalition will be awarded Environmentalist of the Year. This global nonprofit is dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the world, working to preserve waves, coastlines, and the communities that depend on them through science, policy, and advocacy.
Proceeds from the event benefit the SIMA Environmental Fund, which provides grants to organizations committed to preserving and protecting oceans, beaches, and waves.
Thank you to all our supporters and friends who continue to believe in Save The Waves.
Behind every surf break are the dedicated people in our Coalition.
Each victory is achieved by real wave savers working everyday to protect the places we love.
