OK, HEADS UP! WE'RE POSTING THIS PRESS RELEASE FOR OUR FRIENDS AT THE SANTA CRUZ WORLD SURFING RESERVE. THIS IS A BIG HONOR FOR OUR LOCAL COAST, AND WE'RE STOKED TO SUPPORT THE EFFORT AND HELP CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION!
SO, YOU SHOULD ALL KNOW SURFRIDER, SANTA CRUZ SUPPORTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCWSR ALL THE WAY. IT IS A FORM OF COASTAL AND SURF BREAK PROTECTION...AND THAT'S WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT.
December 12, 2011– World Surfing Reserves announced today that the dedication ceremony for the Santa Cruz, California, World Surfing Reserve will be on April 28, 2012. The ceremony will officially establish the Santa Cruz coastline as a World Surfing Reserve in Santa Cruz City and County, the third iconic surfing location to be so enshrined following Malibu, California and Ericeira, Portugal.
The Santa Cruz zone was approved in February 2011 as an official World Surfing Reserve. The Santa Cruz Reserve, approximately 11 km (7 miles) of coast extending from Natural Bridges State Park on the western end to the Opal Cliffs just east of Pleasure Point, is a stretch of cold-water dream waves along a breathtaking coastline that boasts one of the most robust coastal and marine ecosystems on the planet. The region is characterized by a unique surf culture with a deep-rooted history of surfing including credit as the birthplace of surfing in North America. The zone is best known for the iconic spots at Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, both world-renowned righthand pointbreaks.
“Throughout the world Santa Cruz is synonymous with cold-water surfing and known for its progressive environmental ethos,” said Dean LaTourrette, Executive Director of Save The Waves Coalition and World Surfing Reserves Executive Committee Member. “Its dedication as the third World Surfing Reserve will help focus environmental protection of the surf zone locally as well as serve as a global model for stewardship of coastal regions.”
World Surfing Reserves is also pleased to announce the formation of the Local Stewardship Council for the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve This group, including community activists, environmentalists, elected officials, and surf industry representatives, will create a Local Stewardship Plan and will work to oversee the management of the Santa Cruz Reserve. Jim Littlefield, who serves as the West Coast Environmental Projects Director for Surfers’ Environmental Alliance will chair the Santa Cruz Local Stewardship Council. Additionally the council will include:
Mark Stone,
John Leopold,
Hilary Bryant,
Jane McKenzie,
Dustin MacDonald,
Dan Young,
and Brian Kilpatrick.
"Santa Cruz is the documented birthplace of surfing on the North American continent and surfing and surf culture are key elements of our communities' public image,” said Jim Littlefield. ”I'm pleased to represent the reserve through the Local Stewardship Council - this is a true global honor for Santa Cruz."
In addition to the Local Stewards, an array of high profile surfers will serve as Ambassadors for the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve including
Kyle Thiermann,
Sarah Gerhardt,
Robert “Wingnut” Weaver,
Jamilah Star,
and Ken “Skindog” Collins.
These ambassadors have been selected for their contributions to the sport of surfing, the Santa Cruz community, and the coastal environment. They will help to promote the long-term conservation of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve.
“What better spot than Santa Cruz for a World Surfing Reserve?” remarked Skindog. “This place has it all, and I’m stoked to see it get the recognition it deserves.”
For Santa Cruz’s enshrinement, an evening celebration event will be held on April 27, 2012 and the formal ceremonies will take place on April 28. Further details of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve Dedication Ceremony will be announced in the coming months.
About World Surfing Reserves
World Surfing Reserves (WSR) proactively identifies, designates, and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments, around the world. WSR is an initiative launched by Save The Waves Coalition in 2009 in conjunction with National Surfing Reserves - Australia, and through additional partnerships with the International Surfing Association (ISA) and Stanford University’s Center for Responsible Travel (CREST).
Also, stay tuned for info forthcoming about the dedication of the Manly World Surfing Reserve in Australia!
For more information
WORLD SURFING RESERVES
NOTE: Chapter Chair Dustin Macdonald is a member of the Local Stewardship Council and sometimes-off-and-on-Vice- Chair Jim Littlefield is Chair of the group.
