our programs
We Surf Ecosystems.
We believe that legally protected areas, effective stewardship and a mobilized constituency result in healthy and protected surf ecosystems.
Protected Areas
We protect surf ecosystems by creating protected areas in high priority coastal ecosystems that overlap with high quality surf.
WORLD SURFING RESERVES
SURF PROTECTED AREA NETWORKS
Ongoing campaigns
International campaigns to preserve and defend threatened waves and valuable surf ecosystems – from Mexico to Ireland.
Save The Waves App
recent news in programs
Save The Waves App launch encourages coastal stewardship
Save The Waves App encourages surfers and beach-goers to report and tag coastal threats. We’re proud to release the second version of award-winning app for World Oceans Day.
Save The Waves Unveils New Campaign: Protect 1,000 Waves by 2030
This ambitious goal aligns with the larger collective conservation goal of protecting 30% of marine resources by 2030.
New Access to Tres Emes Beach in Win for Bahía Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve
The World Surfing Reserve and the local community now have new public access to one of the most visited beaches and waves of the reserve.
Save The Waves, Pronatura Noroeste and local community closer to achieving the first protected State Park in Baja California
After years of consideration by government agencies and edits to technical documents, the campaign to protect San Miguel is closer to victory.
Applications for ‘World Surfing Reserve’ Program Opens
World Surfing Reserves is our flagship program dedicated to protecting outstanding surf breaks. Application window is open April 8 – October 15, 2021.
New Surfonomics Study for Lobitos, Peru Released
Lobitos is a perfect example of how a small village can benefit from, and depend on, the preservation of a world-class wave. The newest Surfonomics study reveals the significant economic contribution of surf tourism.
One of the Greatest Waves in the Maldives is Under Serious Threat
Written by Tony Butt | Chickens is a lefthander that breaks off a small island called Kuda Villigili in the northeast of the North Malé Atoll. If it isn’t saved, it will go down in history as an unfortunate case that could have so easily been avoided.
Save The Waves and partners launch international campaign to protect the Maldives
Surf ecosystems across the Maldives are being destroyed by rapid coastal development. Save The Waves and local partners launch a campaign to change that.
The Road to Becoming a World Surfing Reserve
A WSR is more than a designation. Playa Hermosa begins to work towards its vision for the protection of its surf ecosystem.