As part of the 10th Anniversary Life is a Wave event, Save The Waves Coalition is excited to announce this year Waver Saver awardees. Honoring an outstanding athlete, company and environmentalist for their contributions to protecting our waves and coasts. This year’s winners are Big Wave World Tour Champion Greg Long, Bureo, and Dr. Charles Lester.
Athlete of the Year:
Greg Long
Greg Long is two-time Big Wave World Champion, winner of the 2009 Eddie Aikau Invitational, Maverick’s Invitational, and numerous XXL awards. In addition to his big wave prowess, Greg Long has been a tireless advocate for our coasts and long time Save The Waves ambassador. From opposing the Liquid Natural Gas plant at Harry’s in Baja, to his work in Chile helping clean-up and rebuild after the tsunami, to his support of groups like Surfrider, Sustainable Surf, and Save The Waves, to his new project creating a platform connecting environmental causes with professional athletes.
Company of the Year:
Bureo
Winning Wave Saver Company of the Year, Bureo is a company focused on finding innovative solutions to prevent ocean plastics. Bureo designs and manufactures a unique line of sustainable skateboards and sunglasses through the team’s initiative, ‘Net Positiva’, Chile’s first ever fishnet collection & recycling program. This initiative provides local fisherman with environmentally sound disposal points, while Bureo receives highly recyclable and durable raw materials which is used to build its products. Every Bureo skateboard prevents 30 square feet of discarded fishing net from entering our waters. Founded by Ben R. Kneppers, David M. Stover and Kevin J. Ahearn, Bureo has also long supported Save The Waves work in Chile, partnering on the Lobos por Siempre and Unidos Por Aguas Limpias campaigns.
Environmentalist of the Year:
Dr. Charles Lester
Save The Waves honors Dr. Charles Lester, former Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission. Dr. Lester was a longtime steward of California’s beaches and coast, through his defense of California Coasal Act, but was forcibly removed from his post in an unfounded political dismissal. Prior to his appointment, Charles served as Senior Deputy Director of the Commission, holding that position since 2006. His employment at the Commission began in 1997. Previously, Dr. Lester was an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Lester received his Ph.D in Jurisprudence and Social Policy from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition, he earned his J.D. at Boalt Hall School of Law and a B.A. in Geochemistry from Columbia University. For his many year of public Service, Save The Waves recognizes his many efforts to protect the places we love in California.