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
Program Highlight:
THE AZORES, PORTUGAL
Save The Waves launched a new initiative for creating SPANs in the Azores through the Blue Azores program with Waitt Foundation.
Ongoing campaigns
International campaigns to preserve and defend threatened waves and valuable surf ecosystems – from Mexico to The Maldives.
Save The Waves App
recent news in programs
Major progress in SPANs project to protect Azorean waves
As Save The Waves launches its second phase of work in the Azores, awareness efforts make a significant impact for preservation of surf ecosystems in this unique archipelago.
Representing Surf Breaks at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal
Save The Waves attended the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal which brought together governments, NGO’s, and political leaders to discuss the current state of the oceans and work on solutions to the multiple crises we face.
Learn how to report plastic pollution using your phone
This Plastic-Free July, learn how surfers can reduce their plastic consumption and report plastic pollution at your local surf spots.
Cowell’s Beach Success: Another Year of Improved Water Quality
For the third consecutive year, Cowell Beach is not included on Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list.
How to Protect A Local Surf Ecosystem: Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
“Our community is as strong as our wave.” How do you preserve one the of premiere Costa Rican surf breaks and its local wildlife?
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica dedicated and celebrated as World Surfing Reserve
Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa was dedicated as the newest World Surfing Reserve, designating Garabito’s famous surf break as only one out of twelve such surf reserves across the globe and the first in Central America
Our Ocean Conference: Save The Waves represents surf conservation on an international platform
“This experience was a powerful reminder that while our challenges are great, our collaborative potential is immense.”
North Devon: The Quintessential UK Surf Ecosystem
As surfers, we value places with good waves, but there are other factors that keep us enchanted and hooked to our favorite coastal zones. Selected as the next World Surfing Reserve North Devon embodies the definition of a surf ecosystem.
North Devon announced as 12th World Surfing Reserve
North Devon has been selected at the 12th World Surfing Reserve! This international designation recognises the area’s outstanding quality surfing beaches, and brings together the local community to celebrate and protect their coastal heritage.