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Latest News & Updates
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
New Study: “The surf ecosystem as an emerging framework for managing coastal and marine resources”
We’re excited to announce that the Nature Journal of Ocean Sustainability has just published our new paper, “The Surf Ecosystem as an Emerging Framework for Managing Coastal and Marine Resources.”
World Surfing Reserves: Stewardship Stories – August 2026
In this August report of World Surfing Reserves, we’re looking at the progress of 4 individual WSR locations: Punta de Lobos, Gold Coast, North Devon, and Guarda do Embaú.
From Resistance to Science: Protecting the Waves of Puerto Escondido
How can we understand what’s happening to the wave in Zicatela beyond observed changes by surfers and the community? Conducting the first high-resolution bathymetric and photogrammetric survey of the beaches of Bahía Principal, Marinero, and Zicatela. Article by Almendra Gomezleyva, in English and Spanish.
Summer Update: Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve
As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.
“Environmentalist of the Year” – Save The Waves to be honored this week at annual Waterman’s Ball
Save The Waves Coalition is honored to be named ‘Environmentalist of the Year’ by Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)!!
Introducing: Two New Members Join Our Board of Directors
Save The Waves recently welcomed Will Coleman and Jon Roseman to our Board of Directors. Each bring plenty of mentorship, experience and insight to the organization.
Save The Waves Film Festival returns for 2026 tour!
Save The Waves Film Festival returns for another global tour, bringing together communities for a night of adventurous and inspiring films for a good cause.
Spotlight: Creating Impact
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
Saving Waves, Shaping Futures: Our 2025 Impact
“I want you to know that your support has mattered. You only have to glance at our *2025 Impact to know that action, community, and efforts make a difference.”
Value of a wave: Groundbreaking study confirms surfing brings in $194 million annually for Santa Cruz economy
A groundbreaking study reveals the economic contribution of Santa Cruz’s iconic surf breaks – and the serious threat of sea level rise to both waves and the local economy.
Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve Featured on PBS’ Changing Seas
Changing Seas is a program dedicated to science and marine conservation. In this episode, surf ecosystem conservation and the Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica community are highlighted.
Latest News & Updates
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
New Study: “The surf ecosystem as an emerging framework for managing coastal and marine resources”
We’re excited to announce that the Nature Journal of Ocean Sustainability has just published our new paper, “The Surf Ecosystem as an Emerging Framework for Managing Coastal and Marine Resources.”
World Surfing Reserves: Stewardship Stories – August 2026
In this August report of World Surfing Reserves, we’re looking at the progress of 4 individual WSR locations: Punta de Lobos, Gold Coast, North Devon, and Guarda do Embaú.
From Resistance to Science: Protecting the Waves of Puerto Escondido
How can we understand what’s happening to the wave in Zicatela beyond observed changes by surfers and the community? Conducting the first high-resolution bathymetric and photogrammetric survey of the beaches of Bahía Principal, Marinero, and Zicatela. Article by Almendra Gomezleyva, in English and Spanish.
Summer Update: Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve
As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.
“Environmentalist of the Year” – Save The Waves to be honored this week at annual Waterman’s Ball
Save The Waves Coalition is honored to be named ‘Environmentalist of the Year’ by Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)!!
Spotlight:
Creating Impact
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
Saving Waves, Shaping Futures: Our 2025 Impact
“I want you to know that your support has mattered. You only have to glance at our *2025 Impact to know that action, community, and efforts make a difference.”
Value of a wave: Groundbreaking study confirms surfing brings in $194 million annually for Santa Cruz economy
A groundbreaking study reveals the economic contribution of Santa Cruz’s iconic surf breaks – and the serious threat of sea level rise to both waves and the local economy.
Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve Featured on PBS’ Changing Seas
Changing Seas is a program dedicated to science and marine conservation. In this episode, surf ecosystem conservation and the Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica community are highlighted.
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OUR FILMS
Power Of The Coalition
Why do we do this work? An inspiring messaging from members of our community and Coalition around the world.
1000 Waves
When we protect a wave, we are protecting much more than that. Save The Waves is committed to our biggest goal yet: protect 1000 waves by 2030.
The Origins of save the waves
Twenty years ago, in 2003, Will Henry founded our organization to mount campaigns and build public support to protect surf breaks across Madeira.
SAN MIGUEL STATE PARK
In a historic moment for environmental and surf conservation, the first state park in Baja California, Mexico has been created!
Coalition for Cowell's
After a decade of water quality troubles, Cowell’s Beach was removed from Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list. This victory is a direct result of dedicated research and hard work by the Cowell’s Working Group led by Save The Waves and the City of Santa Cruz.
SAVING WAVES IN THE ATLANTIC
Five islands, six events, twenty-five films and one goal: protect surf breaks in the Azores. Save The Waves begins our work to create Surf Protected Area Networks across the archipelago.
SALVEMOS PUNTA CONEJO
Punta Conejo, a renowned surf break along the coastline of Southern Oaxaca, could be destroyed by the construction of a new industrial port project. Save The Waves is working with local partners to protect this coastal gem.
POCO A POCO
A look at the World Surfing Reserve of Bahia de Todos Santos in Baja Norte, Mexico, and how the local community is working together against environmental threats – including a massive shipwreck at the legendary surf spot, Todos Santos.
A WALK ON THE BEACH
Save The Waves and Irish partners launch a multi-year campaign to stop a controversial seawall project, proposed by Trump International Golf Links, from destroying Doughmore Beach. (Update Feb 2020: Campaign Victory! Learn more here.)
