As incoming chair for our local Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz Chapter I am very much looking forward towards leading our team into a year filled with many good things. I am honored to be given a wonderful opportunity to work together with others that share the same love of the ocean as I do. This commonality we share has created a strong foundation within us that is fueled by passion, creating an internal drive to protect it. In my role of chair I will take this foundation that has been created and do my best to fulfill our mission statement of protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches.
The ocean is my happy place and a place where I find much peace, comfort, and rejuvenation. My connectivity to the ocean is experienced on different levels as I surf, kayak, sail, and snorkel. The ocean provides me with a place to disconnect from life’s negatives and stressors. Whether it be in that euphoric moment of dropping down the face of a wave, catching the waves power with my body and board, and experiencing the ride of the wave to its fullest. Or the calmness of waking up before the sunrises, paddling out to sea in my kayak, and watching in awe the sunrise on a new day. Or behind the helm of a sailboat, connecting peacefully with the swells, current, and wind, and using the elements to sail the boat across the sea. Or going under and experiencing the wonders of life under water, snorkeling in the kelp beds, connecting with the current to move me along, while being filed with excitement and happiness as I discover so much life. Or taking my daughter to the beach and witnessing her glowing face filled with happiness and laughter as she runs free, smiling and excited as she swims in the waves, and peacefully plays on the shore. Each experience provides me with an abundance of happiness and clarity of what really matters in life.
We are fortunate to have such a vast source of land and water that provides us with resources and enjoyment. It requires our due diligence to preserve, protect, and manage it in order to sustain it for longevity. There have been so many dedicated volunteers since the start of our local Santa Cruz Chapter that have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to protecting the ocean they love. There have been many battles fought and many victories won over the years. There are more battles to face and I am committed to facing them and leading our chapter into more victories.
Amber Jones - Chair
Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz Chapter
