Skip to content (press enter)
Donate
IMG_5798 copy-1

About Us

The South Sound Chapter of Surfrider Foundation serves Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and the southern Puget Sound. We are passionate about protecting the marine waters and beaches of Washington State.

Who We Are

We're a passionate bunch of dedicated volunteers, each bringing our own unique backgrounds and skills to the table. Together, we're on a mission to protect our beautiful coastline and marine ecosystems from the negative effects of plastic pollution and climate change.

Get Involved
A male volunteer wearing a Surfrider hat giving a speech during a beach cleanup

In 2024, South Sound Surfrider volunteers took trash-tackling to a whole new level, hauling away over 2800 pounds of garbage, playing water detectives with 100 blue water tests across 11 spots, and rolling out the red carpet for the Ocean Friendly Hotel Program!

A female volunteer wearing a Surfrider t-shirt smiling and posing with her bucket of trash during a beach cleanup
100% Protection of our Coastlines

Together with our national chapter, we collaborate with respected environmental specialists to address and surmount the issues threatening the well-being and splendor of our beloved oceans and beaches.

Donate

2025 Executive Committee

2025 Open Positions

Surfrider Chapters are led by enthusiastic volunteers on the Executive Committee, participating in meetings, beach cleanups, and events. Current volunteer roles include Co-Chairs, Volunteer Co-Coordinator, Beach Cleanup Co-Coordinator, and Finance/Accounting.

Submit Interest Email
SS & GH JUNE EVENTS-3-1

Our Core Values

At the Surfrider Foundation, we firmly believe that immersing ourselves in the beauty of the oceans and beaches not only inspires us, but also promotes healthier lifestyles and fosters the growth of a more vibrant culture.

1. Honor the mission.

Surfrider is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people, through a powerful activist network. At the center of every action we take is our mission, our grassroots structure and local perspectives. We aim for positive impact and measurable results on behalf of the communities that we serve.

2. The beach is fun and Surfrider should be, too.

Surfrider comprises people who love the ocean, work hard to protect it, and need to enjoy it as part of keeping advocacy gratifying and fun. We are optimistic about the future of our ocean and coasts because our volunteers make a positive difference every day.

3. We are open and inclusive.

Our ocean, waves and beaches belong to all of us, and we welcome all who are interested in joining our movement. Through our principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), we seek to engage and represent the communities that we work in, and tosupport, create, foster and champion diversity at all levels within our organization.

4. We cultivate leaders.

We believe that the most effective way to build a coastal protection movement is to provide leadership opportunities for our volunteers. By cultivating their voices and skills, we are preparing the next generation of coastal defenders to lead within their own communities.

5. We are problem solvers.

We are solution-oriented. Surfrider applies science, critical thinking and innovation to assess problems and develop practical long-term solutions that protect our coasts.

6. The Surfrider is yours to create.

The Surfrider culture is defined by the people who show up with a love of the ocean and care deeply for its well-being. Through science, community and respect, we are people who joyfully take on the challenges before us. Our culture is one of selflessness, sharing, and bringing people together to achieve Surfrider’s mission.