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Surfrider Chapter News MAKING WAVES, April/May 1999 |
For more info contact: Ed Mazzarella at (949) 492-8170, emazzarella@surfrider.org Rollin' in Rhode Island 1999 marked the revival of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. An estimated 160 people attended their first event, which brought together windsurfers, surfers, sailors, fishermen, beachcombers and kayakers, all of whom depend on the ocean for recreational and work use. The standing room only event was held at the Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography overlooking Narragansett Bay. Chapter members gave presentations about the short-term goals of the Rhode Island Chapter, including implementing the Blue Water Task Force and storm drain stenciling programs. The response was overwhelmingly positive and Surfrider Foundation's Rhode Island Chapter is looking forward to an exciting and productive first year. The reorganization of the chapter and commitment to protecting and preserving the Rhode Island coastline was made possible by Chicks on Sticks Women's Surf Club and the University of Rhode Island Surfing Club who really stepped up and helped make this a reality. The Rhode Island Chapter can be reached at (401) 849-5632. It's Bigger in Texas We are very happy to announce the formation of the Texas Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. 130 Texas Surfrider members came out in force to attend the first official chapter meeting. The chapter, led by Ellis Pickett, introduced chapter officers, discussed issues and took questions from the excited attendees. Concerned with the condition of the Texas beaches after last year's storms, one of the first steps the chapter took was to join the State of Texas' Adopt-a-Beach Program. They adopted "Mile 16" in Surfside Beach (from the jetty park east to the "A-frames"). They have participated, and will continue to participate, in Spring and Fall beach cleanups. Although Texas Chapter's initial focus has been on beach clean ups, it is their long-term goal to be active in water quality, beach access, and coastal development issues on a statewide basis. The Texas Chapter has already begun forming relationships with area environmental groups for future partnerships on environmental issues affecting the coastline. As with any grassroots organization, a chapter is only as powerful as its membership. Your eyes, ears, input and expertise are encouraged in seeing that the Texas Chapter can become a viable force for the protection and preservation of the Texas coastline. For info contact Ellis at (409) 336-8148. Delaware on the Move How busy has Surfrider Foundation's Delaware Chapter been? Read on. The chapter has become a member of the Rehoboth Bay Tributary Action Team for the Center of Inland Bays. The Delaware Chapter Team will devote their initial effort to studying the effects of sewage treatment plants and stormwater and septic systems on water quality in Delaware. The chapter has also been active in presenting Surfrider Foundation's Respect the Beach Program to local students. Recently the chapter spoke to 120 students in 6 different groups at the Milford Middle School, discussing storm water runoff and water quality topics. Chapter representatives then took the students outside and located stormdrains in the immediate area to really drive the point home. Chapter members set such a fine example that the teacher has now taken the initiative to acquire water testing kits with the kids bringing in water samples and testing for enterococcus and e-coli. On a final note, Delaware Chapter members will be Team Leaders on Saturday, March 27th at the Indian river Inlet for the annual Beach Grass Planting. Oh, one more thing, they are also writing an environmental column for a series of articles in the local paper about Surfrider Foundation and our mission. All this is being accomplished by volunteers, who do this because of their love of the ocean. Ride On in South Bay Surfrider Foundation's South Bay Chapter members have established an ambitious set of environmental goals to accomplish in 1999. The chapter has focused on three major areas of concern: 1) Pratte's Reef - the first artificial surfing reef in the United States. 2) Combatting Palos Verdes Localism - beach access issue 3) Establishing an Environmental Activities Team with the top environmental objectives being the Ballona Wetlands development, Bight project (state water testing), and bringing public attention to the impact of storm water runoff on our beaches. In related news, the South Bay Chapter will hold its 5th Annual Earth Day Surf and Eco-awareness Contest on April 18, 1999, from 7 am to 4 pm. The event will be held at Rosecrans Ave. in Manhattan Beach and is open to males and females, ages 13 and up. The entry fee is $25 per division and all entries must be received by April 14, 1999. For the South Bay Chapter to accomplish these important goals, they will need your volunteer support. Be part of an exciting year and become an active member of the South Bay Team. They can't do it without you. Contact them at (310) 535-3116 to get involved and for information on the contest. Cold Water Paddle The Massachusetts Chapter finished up the International Year of the Ocean with their first Clean Water Paddle on December 6, 1998. The paddle was a great success with over 50 surfers and kayakers entering the cold New England Waters off of Winthrop Beach to demand daily testing of recreational water sites throughout the state. The chapter has filed a Beaches Bill at the state level requiring standardized beach water testing and notification of pollution, similar to the national BEACH Bill and California's AB411. The event received media coverage on three local TV stations, CBS radio and in the Boston Globe. Over 100 hardy members and supporters braved a New England snowstorm on the evening of Saturday, March 6, 1999 for our third Mid-Winter Party in Boston. The great venue was complimented by fine beer (compliments of Tremont Ale) and the music of three very talented local Boston bands. Opening the night was Calendar Girl, with local Surfrider member, Dave Foy, wailing on the drums. While Calendar Girl played their indie pop, Seks Bomba and the Ray Corvair Trio set the mood for the night with instrumental 60's style surf music. Despite the snow, everyone had a fantastic time celebrating the Surfrider Foundation. Our next major event will be our third Annual Surf Ride to be held the weekend of May 22, 1999 on Cape Cod. The Surf Ride is a 25-mile benefit bike ride along the back roads and bike trails around Eastham and Wellfleet. For further details on the Surf Ride visit our website at http://www.surfrider.org/massachusetts |
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Surfrider Foundation USA: 122 S. El Camino Real #67 San Clemente, CA 92672 tel. (949) 492-8170 fax (949) 492-8142 
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