Announcing Surfrider Leadership Program - Washington Coast

We are excited to announce that the Surfrider Leadership Program – WA Coast has officially launched!  This pilot is the realization of a concept that many of us began working on in 2014, and we have been finalizing the design of this program with community members and other partners for the past six months.

Today’s leaders are finding that a more collective approach is best suited for our increasingly networked world. Effective leadership today is less about who is the loudest voice in the room and more about who can mobilize a network to act. This requires leaders to tap into a deep sense of self awareness, as well as understanding how to effectively network and build the larger movement. This leadership program will facilitate a cohort of coastal leaders to develop self-awareness of themselves as leaders, as well as networking and movement building skills through an immersive, in-person retreat and virtual training sessions.

This program is designed to develop strong bonds among cohort members as well as provide time and space for reflection and learning through one weekend retreat, two virtual trainings, and a one-day work session. Along with developing specific skills, the program will also tap into participants’ experiences to facilitate sharing of best practices learned through working in respective industries, coastal areas, and communities.

Over the course of four months, participants will work with their cohort to develop essential skills, build deep relationships, and better understand the power of today’s collective leadership.

Are you involved with natural resource management or conservation efforts on the Washington coast?  If so, apply here (deadline July 3rd): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9K7PBHR

Do you know someone who is working on the Washington coast that would be a good candidate?  Nominate them here (deadline June 25th): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9KSK6ST

Click here for the full program announcement.

If you have any questions, contact Casey Dennehy at cdennehy@surfrider.org.

Marine Spatial Planning - East Coast Style!

Check out The Next Wave, the sequel to Washington's Marine Spatial Planning video:

https://vimeo.com/126415192

Registration is now open for July 5th Beach Cleanup

http://www.coastsavers.org/index.php/july-5-cleanup/

Governor Inslee Declares June 20th International Surfing Day in Washington

The anticipation has already begun for International Surfing Day (ISD) as the celebration of surfing and ocean recreation received a proclamation from Governor Jay Inslee declaring June 20th International Surfing Day In Washington! With five chapter events happening around the state celebrating our oceans, waves, and beaches it was a pleasant surprise to receive a proclamation from the Governor recognizing coastal recreation. Events are happening throughout the week of June 20th and as always are sure to get people amped as we head into the summer months.

ISD events will be happening throughout the Washington chapter network over the course of the week prior to Saturday, June 20th. Please check with your local chapter for specifics of each event. Below is a series of brief summaries of what to expect so circle your calendar for the dates, attend a June chapter meeting, and come celebrate ISD with new and old friends as we gather to appreciate our oceans, waves, and beaches.

Starting from the North and around the Puget Sound:

Northwest Straits – Similar to last year the NWS chapter, based in big beautiful Bellingham, will be back at Aslan Brewing Saturday, June 20th for a night of surf flicks, food, drink, and fun. Times are pending but stay tuned for more details or email the chapter for more information.

Seattle – Seattle will be hosting their annual bash at Urban Surf in Greenlake to celebrate surfing, SUPing, and water and beach recreation in general. The event will kickoff Wednesday, June 17th, at 5:30pm and run until approximately 8:30. Come enjoy the SUP race at 7, refreshments, and the traditional raffle. Any questions please contact the chapter.

South Sound – The South Sound will start the morning of June 20th off with a beach cleanup at Owen Beach in Tacoma followed by a BBQ. Bring your SUP, kayak, or other human-powered water craft as members will be sure to get in the water over the course of the day. For details on time and specifics please contact the chapter.

Capitol – A surf movie night is the plan for the Capitol chapter. They currently are organizing the event and working out the details but it will take place the evening of June 19th. Stay tuned or contact Chapter Chair Kendall Farely for more info.

Olympic Peninsula – One of the most anticipated Surfrider events of the year, the always fun OPC ISD celebration at Harbinger Winery is happening Friday June 19th. The party features great food, drinks, a stocked raffle, and live music. For more information and details on the event or how to purchase tickets, please contact the OPC.

And don't forget to go play in the water!

July 5th Beach Cleanups - Mark Your Calendars!

The 4th of July may be the most American of all holidays.  Firework displays on coastal beaches are dazzling, but unfortunately a considerable amount of debris is left behind.

Help Surfrider, CoastSavers, and the GrassRoots Garbage Gang keep our beaches clean by joining our events on July 5th.  There will be beach cleanup at Ocean Shores, Westport, and Long Beach.  See how they do it at Long Beach in the video below.

And make sure to check back here or at coastsavers.org in a few weeks to register!