Spring Cleaning...Surfrider Style

Spring is once again upon us, and what better time to get actively involved with Surfrider. Here is a list of events, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get active with Surfrider and show Mother Earth how much you really do love her.

1) Make every day Earth Day. Lead by example and always make sure you Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Our daily routines can have a huge impact on the environment, think through your actions.

2) Be a core volunteer. Do you want to be a more active member and pursue some leadership roles? Wednesday the 11th, 7pm at our office in La Jolla we are having the first in a series of core volunteer trainings. We will go over some general background info on Surfrider's history, programs and campaigns and offer specific training for beach cleanup coordination and outreach specialists for various events throughout San Diego County. Email belinda@surfriderSD.org for more details.

3) Volunteer at a beach cleanup. This month Surfrider will be at South Mission Beach twice - once on Saturday the 14th then again on April 28th as part of the countywide Creek To Bay Cleanup. For more details and the full calendar of cleanups click here. Our friends at the Windansea Surf Club are hosting a cleanup on April 21st in La Jolla at the end of Nautilus Street and the more the merrier. Stop by and help out between 9am and noon.

4) Clean your own beach. Walking the dog or hanging out at the beach for the day? Take a bag or two with you to pick up those plastic items and other litter that harms marine life. Whenever you get out of the water from a surf be sure to Pick Up 3 pieces of litter. As a reminder, check out this great video created by Del Mar grom Cobi Emory, Pick Up 3

5) Volunteer to help spread the Surfrider message at a fair or booth event. We will be at Pepper Day in Oceanside on April 15th, at Earth Fair in Balboa Park on April 22nd along with other events and could use your help. No experience is required, we can train you upon arrival. Please email bill@surfriderSD.org for more details.

6) Volunteer to help with water testing. We are teaming up with our friends at Coastkeeper to conduct watershed testing along rivers, creeks and lagoons to help isolate the sources of pollution. The next testing day is April 28th, email mary@surfriderSD.org if you are interested.

7) Come to the chapter meeting on Wednesday the 18th at 7pm. Please note this month we will NOT be at Forum Hall. Cooley Godward Kronish LLP has generously donated their facilities at 4401 Eastgate Mall for our Chapter Meeting this month. Click here for directions. Speaking at the meeting will be Michael G. Rhodes, a litigation partner at Cooley who is working with Surfrider Foundation on a pro bono basis in the fight to stop the Toll Road and Save Trestles. Mike will update us on the complex legal wranglings of the ongoing lawsuit. Mike will also speak about other pro bono cases he has worked on and about using litigation as a weapon in the fight for social justice.

8) Purchase your Art Gala tickets. The event is on May 10th, but tickets are likely to sell out like last year, so get yours soon. Shaun Tomson will be on hand signing copies of his new book, Surfers Code. There will be great ocean-themed art, some amazing limited-edition and one-of-a-kind surfboards for auction and plenty more. Purchase tickets online through our homepage: surfriderSD.org or via the blog posting prior to this one.

9) Visit the Stone World Bistro and Gardens. Stone is a long-time Surfrider supporter and endeavors to use as much in-season, locally and organically grown produce as possible at the World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido. Stop by on Tuesday April 24th between 4 and 8pm and mention you are a Surfrider member for special discounts. Enjoy variety? Stone serves special tapas-sized (and tapas-priced) versions of their dishes ranging across the entire menu. Whether you're looking for lighter dining, or a greater variety, Tapas Tuesdays are for you. Click here for directions.

10) Stay Classy. Surfrider is excited to be a beneficiary for the Stay Classy Charity Crawl this year. With 1000+ people, 6 tribute bands, 2 stages, and money going to local charities, how can you go wrong?? All you have to do is purchase a ticket and show up on April 14th at noon at PB Bar & Grill with your event shirt and bracelet on. Then leave the rest to us! The good folks at Stay Classy stepped up this year and all of the event t's are made with organic cotton and recycling at the event is a priority.

11) Sign up for a Surfshot membership. Surfshot is San Diego's surf report website. Our chapter is very excited to partner with Surfshot on a special membership package deal. For an additional $5 you get a Surfrider membership with a one-year subscription to Surfshot. It's a no-brainer. Click here for details.

12) Who you callin' Apathetic?!? Surfrider is happy to be part of this Earth Day celebration in Ocean Beach on April 14th. The event starts at 3pm by the OB Pier and continues a various locations past midnight. Be sure to stop by Rock, Paper, Scissors on Newport Ave and Bacon between 5 and 8 for an art show, live music and more. Click here for details.

13) Get a copy of Cabo and Coral Go Surfing.
This is an educational and inspirational children's book for the the next generation of surfers created by Del Mar Surfrider member Udo Wahn and Jami Lyn. According to Surfing magazine: "Delightful! Cabo and Coral Go Surfing is a fun, educational and soulful way to pass the ‘stoke' along to your children early. Like, as early as possible." Visit caboandcoralgosurfing.com for a copy or stop by Earth Song Bookstore in the heart of Del Mar on Saturday April 14 at noon for a book signing.

14) Check out the Aaron Chang and Grant Brittain Slideshow Event on April 28th. Surfrider supporters Sun Diego Boardshops are hosting this event at the Wavehouse in Mission Beach - 3125 Ocean Front Walk - from 7pm til midnight. $5 cover with proceeds going to Surfrider! Visit sundiego.com for more details.

15) Spread the word. Pass this email on to your friends and family and get them involved, the more the merrier. Be sure to check out our new online calendar for event updates.

As you can see there are more than a dozen ways to celebrate earth month and get involved with The Surfrider Foundation. I encourage you to make it a goal to pick at least one of the above and show your support.