The Power of Coming Together: 40th Anniversary Recap

On the weekend of October 18th, 2024, the Surfrider Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in Long Beach, California, with volunteers, students, and staff from across the country and the world! The summit buzzed with excitement, enthusiasm, and hope for the future of our planet.

The event was filled with amazing presentations on topics related to volunteer recruitment, coastal resilience, plastic pollution, social media, and more. Inspiring guest speakers like Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Greg Long, and Ryan Gellert left attendees feeling like change is not only possible but probable.

However, the most invigorating conversations may have happened outside of speaker sessions and presentations, when volunteers had the opportunity to connect and share challenges, highlights, and ideas amongst themselves. 

Saturday night featured a time to celebrate chapter successes; chapters were given awards for their contributions to different Surfrider programs, and for their innovation and creativity in protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches. A major shoutout to our New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine chapters, who all left as winners, and a special shoutout to Jocelyn Pierce for receiving a Wavemaker award. 

Hearing about the incredible work each chapter has accomplished over the past few years reiterated our power in solving our climate crisis and creating lasting change. I’m leaving the weekend proud and grateful to be a member of the Surfrider team, and even more proud of all the AMAZING volunteers I have the privilege to work alongside. 

Cheers to 40 years for Surfrider, and to 40 more! Can't wait to see all we can accomplish.