2014 brought serious accomplishments for Surfrider in Washington. Chapter volunteers across western Washington ran campaigns, established and grew programs, and hosted events beating the drum and making noise for protecting our oceans, waves, and beaches. See for yourself a few of the highlights that made 2014 such a successful year for Surfrider in Washington.
WA Statewide
Recreational-Use Study
Surfrider, along with our partner Point 97, launched and completed a comprehensive recreational-use survey assessing where heavily used recreational areas are as well as gathering critical information on the economic value of non-consumptive uses along the Washington coast. Over 400 people voluntarily completed the opt-in portion of the survey, much due to the help and promotion from Surfrider volunteers. This data will be used along with our studies to help Washington state with their marine spatial plan to ensure long-term protection of our key areas on the coast. The data and full report will be available in the next few months so keep an eye out for its release.
Clean Water Classic
The waves were pumping and the sun was out all weekend at the annual Clean Water Classic. The shift in dates to a fall event proved to be the right call as the event possibly had its best conditions ever, leaving competitors and on-lookers stoked. Thanks again to all our sponsors for the support and to the chapter volunteers who help make it possible. We raised over 5k that goes back to all participating chapters in their efforts to ensure heathy PNW ocean, waves and beaches.
Northwest Straits Chapter
The Northwest Straits chapter was back at it again with their well regarded water quality project at Larabee State Park. Several summer interns took part in water quality testing and guiding park visitors on nature walks throughout this amazing Washington gem. Expanding on their work, the chapter received funding and worked with other groups on what is now the Whirlwind Beach Stewardship Project which seeks to establish a healthier beach by installing garbage cans and recycling, not to mention better access and parking at this popular kite-boarding location. Additionally, the Western WA club has grown substantially and received some press for their work on local beach cleanups.
Olympic Peninsula Chapter
From coastal cleanups, to clearing brush and filing potholes, to throwing one sick International Surfing Day Party, the OPC as always held it down and got it done in 2014. The chapter was able to do some serious work making the parking lots at the Elwa and Twin better for parking and helping beach-goers avoid a blown out tire. Heading into 2015 the chapter is looking at much of the same outstanding work and potentially establishing a water quality testing program based in the Port Angeles area.
South Sound Chapter
2014 was a groundbreaking year for the South Sound Chapter in terms of growth and community involvement. The chapter began it's monthly beach cleanups giving those who want to get outside and get their hands dirty for cleaner beaches that chance on a regular basis. The chapter also hosted several guest speakers, movies, a wonderful Interational Surfrider Day event, and expanded their Blue Water Task Force Program from two locations to six. On top of this has been their work on a Rise Above Plastics campaign working with the city with a goal of establishing a reusable bag ordinance in Tacoma.
Seattle Chapter
Keeping awesome beaches like Alki free of cigarette waste was the presiding theme this year with the Seattle Chapter. The Chapter installed two cigarette canisters at Alki with the hopes of finding fewer cigarette butts on the beach, the most frequently collected item during beach cleanups. Additionally, the chapter took part in several SUP events, hosted films, and saw its ranks grow with a expanded number of passionate supporters.