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
On The Ground Update: North Devon WSR
Since the announcement of North Devon U.K. as the next World Surfing Reserve in April of 2022, the Local Stewardship Council has been hard at work developing its unique stewardship plan, responding to urgent threats to the surf ecosystem, hosting events, and preparing for their dedication in 2023. Building a Strong Team A key element
BREAKING: Massive Oil Spill in Salina Cruz Devastates Punta Conejo and Surrounding Coastlines
In an ecological disaster, on Sunday, October 23, fishermen, surfers, and conservation groups denounced the presence of oil and hydrocarbons on different beaches near the Port of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca.
Santa Cruz WSR: Update on the Opal Cliffs Project
Save The Waves and the World Surfing Reserve believe that a different approach should be considered in order to protect surf resources.
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 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