Skip to content (press enter)
Donate
A surfer walking on the beach after surfing with other surfers who are still in the water at the Pacific Coast

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 are a dedicated team of passionate volunteers, each bringing our own diverse backgrounds and skills to the table. Together, we are committed to protecting our invaluable coastline and marine life from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and the impacts of climate change.

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

In 2023, South Sound Surfrider kicked butt by removing over 4555 pounds of trash, conducting 122 water tests in 11 different locations, and partnering with 16 awesome Ocean Friendly Restaurants with the help of 500+ dedicated volunteers.

A male volunteer wearing a Surfrider hat giving a speech during a beach cleanup
100% Protection of our Coastlines

We are united with our national chapter, working closely with esteemed environmental experts to confront and overcome the challenges that put the health and beauty of our cherished oceans and beaches at risk.

Our ocean, waves and beaches are everything. Let’s save them!

2024 Executive Committee

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.