Haleiwa Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore became the site of a successful beach cleanup on Saturday, February 1, as the Surfrider Foundation and Rip Curl continued their collaboration under the Surf Industry Coastal Defender program. This initiative aims to unite ocean enthusiasts and protect coastal environments.
Haleiwa, known as the cultural and economic heart of the North Shore, attracts visitors with its picturesque beaches, bustling harbor, and vibrant shopping and dining scene. On cleanup day, the park was filled with volunteers, including notable surf stars such as Luke Swanson and CT rookie George Pittar.
Over the course of a few hours, the volunteers collected four large bags of trash, totaling just under 100 pounds. While picking up litter is something anyone can do, this event was part of a broader partnership between two major surf industry brands. The Surf Industry Coastal Defender program, established several years ago, serves as a platform for surf companies to support Surfrider’s mission to protect oceans and coastlines. Rip Curl, a partner in the program since 2019, joined the effort as part of the brand’s 2024 Coastal Defender Tour. Previous cleanup events for the tour included locations like Huntington Beach Pier in California, Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, and Ventura Pier in Ventura, California.
The program highlights the essential role that clean beaches and healthy waters play in the lives of coastal communities and their economies. According to Surfrider, the Surf Industry Coastal Defenders work to raise awareness, advocate for effective policies, and promote more sustainable practices within the surf industry. As businesses that rely on clean surf breaks and beach access, these companies are uniquely positioned to lead efforts in environmental stewardship.
The initiative continues to gain momentum, illustrating the growing commitment of the surfing world to protect the places they cherish and depend on.
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