A man with wet hair squeezed into an already full elevator. "Did you go out this morning?" Someone asked over my head.
"Nah, it's completely flat. I just got out of the shower." And, we lamented that even though we couldn't be in the water, there weren't waves. That simple exchange embodied so much of what Surfrider stands for - we want the ocean to be ready for others to enjoy even at the moments when we're called to learn and act.
On February 28, 2026 members of the Surfrider LA Executive Committee and Core Volunteers met in Ventura, California with representatives from chapters and clubs up and down the coast to learn about coastal victories and plan for the year ahead. The conference offered insights on myriad issues impacting our coast, but I feel like I walked away with just as many valuable life lessons as policy insights.
Coastal Victories
Across the nation, the Surfrider Foundation celebrated 47 coastal victories in 2025 - either passing laws to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches, or stopping a decision that would negatively impact the marine ecosystem. This is a testament to Surfrider's organization and ability to scale efforts at the local, state, and national levels. In LA, some of our 2025 victories include:
Drilling Is Killing
"The coast is never saved, its always being saved," said Megan Harmon, Chair of the California Coastal Commission. Surfrider is still fighting to stop new offshore drilling. Follow the Surfrider LA blog and newsletter for opportunities to stand against offshore drilling in the coming months. With new legislation seeking to expand drilling off the coast of Southern California, this issue is particularly concerning to us. However, the impacts would be far reaching. In addition to the risks oil spills pose for marine wildlife and coastal communities, we were reminded that seismic blasting (the method used for oil exploration) is the loudest man-made sound in the ocean. The sound and devastating impacts for marine life can travel thousands of miles.
Plastic is a byproduct of petroleum extraction. We remain committed to stopping plastic pollution at the source through our Ocean Friendly program, but new offshore oil further locks us into plastic and fossil fuel consumption which causes climate change.
Club Highlights and Chapter Collaborations
In a time where socializing is decreasing and loneliness is increasing, community and collaboration are just as important to us as individuals as they are to our cause. During the conference, Surfrider not only highlighted the work of chapters across the state, but gave equal voice to student clubs. Representatives from colleges and universities of various sizes led presentations and participated in panels and breakout groups. They brought resourceful ideas on engaging more people and championing the cause with limited resources. Our student clubs are a promising light in the network of activists that will continue the fight to save the coast for years to come.
California Beaches Forever
This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, which guides how land along the coast is developed/not developed to protect the coast and beach access - clean, sandy beaches are a right, not a privilege. However, up to 30% of the Southern California coastline is "protected," by hard armaments. Rather, the structures near the coast are protected because hard armament actually accelerates beach loss. As we anticipate the on-going need to save our coasts from sea-level rise and increased erosion, it's important to learn form examples like Ventura's Surfers' Point.
To cap day one of the two-day conference, we enjoyed a guided walk along Surfers' Point. Where there was once a collapsing sea wall and parking lot, there are now sand dunes and native plants. Cormorants sunned themselves and fished in the river. Dogs and cyclists passed our group on the bike path. All enjoyed the sand, waves, and rewilded coastline. This project serves as an example that nature-based solutions can work, and indeed, are often the best solutions for truly protecting coastlines. There are already other projects across the nation following suit.
Join Us!
Surfers' Point is also an example of how a small group of dedicated people can ignite a movement. "Grassroots activism works! If you rally people who care deeply, give them a shared framework to move forward, and support them, they will see success," said Nick Mucha while talking about the book, Tools to Save Our Home Planet. Becoming a Surfrider Foundation member is a first step in joining a grassroots network. As the LA chapter, we've paused to reflect and build momentum for the year ahead. But, we can't continue the progress alone. Surfrider's impact is fueled by those who show up - whether its at a beach clean up or a Coast Commission hearing, it takes efforts at all levels.