Malibu, CA – Surfrider Beach, one of the world’s most iconic surf spots, stands as a testament to the enduring efforts of the Surfrider Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in preserving this historic wave for generations of surfers.
Founded in 1984, the Surfrider Foundation emerged from a group of surfers concerned about the preservation of Malibu’s world-class waves. Over four decades later, the foundation continues to champion ocean conservation and beach access, with Surfrider Beach remaining a focal point of its efforts. In recognition of the foundation’s ongoing work, SURFER magazine is highlighting ten waves that the Surfrider Foundation has helped protect — and continues to defend.
While the fight to preserve surf spots is never truly over, the Surfrider Foundation’s grassroots network of activists has been instrumental in safeguarding coastal environments across the United States. Without this committed community, surfer-led coastal conservation would not be possible. Those wishing to support Surfrider’s mission can contribute by becoming a member or donating to the cause.
A Landmark in Surfing History
Surfrider Beach is deeply intertwined with California’s beach culture and the sport of surfing. From its early days as a central hub for California’s surf scene to its influence on Hollywood films that transformed surfing from a subculture to a global phenomenon, the beach’s iconic right point break has attracted surfers of all levels. But it’s also where the Surfrider Foundation’s journey began.
The story of Surfrider Beach’s preservation dates back to 1983, when local surfer Lance Carson witnessed bulldozers on the sand near Malibu’s lagoon. The California state government was in the process of developing the Malibu Lagoon State Park and creating an artificial wetland, which included a channel designed to redirect the lagoon’s outflow toward the point. Surf enthusiasts, including Carson, feared that these construction projects could devastate the waves by disrupting the delicate natural interaction between the lagoon and the ocean.
Carson’s concern led him to partner with Glenn Hening and Tom Pratte, and together, they formed the Surfrider Foundation with the goal of protecting the waves at Malibu. They were soon joined by other key figures in the organization, including Dan Young, Chris Blakely, and Steve Merrill. Pratte, a seasoned expert on the California Coastal Act, played a crucial role in organizing public hearings to allow surfers and locals to voice their concerns to state officials and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Fighting for the Waves
In a heartfelt statement to state officials in 1984, Carson captured the emotional stakes of the issue: “I have been blessed with 35 years of going to Malibu and enjoying the natural beauty of quality waves that break like a long string of falling dominoes,” he said. “Progress is progress, and that’s something that can’t be changed. I’ve always known this, and I’ve always said, ‘Well, at least the waves will never change.’ But now that may no longer be true.”
With the help of passionate surfers and local residents, Surfrider mobilized to show how the lagoon project could irreparably harm Malibu’s beaches and coastal ecosystem. In response, they proposed an alternative solution that would allow the waves to remain intact by preserving the natural flow of sand between the lagoon and the ocean. The plan received overwhelming support from the community, and the state government eventually committed to adopting the recommendations put forward by Surfrider.
A Model for Coastal Protection
The victory in Malibu marked a turning point for the Surfrider Foundation, demonstrating the power of unity and organization in preserving coastal resources. According to Surfrider CEO Chad Nelsen, the foundation’s success in Malibu was groundbreaking: “It was about surfers having a voice in decision-making when they historically hadn’t. Surfers were being ignored as not important stakeholders on the coast.”
The Malibu effort not only saved Surfrider Beach’s waves but also set a powerful precedent for the Surfrider Foundation’s future work. It proved that surfers, as active stewards of the ocean, could have a meaningful role in coastal conservation — a message that continues to resonate as the foundation works to protect surf spots around the world for future generations.
Surfrider Beach’s continued preservation remains a symbol of what can be accomplished when surfers unite to protect the waves they cherish, ensuring that this iconic surf spot remains a haven for beachgoers, surfers, and coastal ecosystems alike.
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