How we work
The Surf Justice Collective is made up of community-based surf organizations that collaboratively define goals and shared priorities that address systemic barriers to recreational surfing and ocean access.
We meet monthly to build joint campaigns, collaborate through working groups, and strengthen each other’s efforts through shared learning and mutual support.
A shared annual Work Plan guides our efforts, developed during a Fall Retreat where members reflect, assess progress, and shape the vision for the year ahead.
Vision
To create a diverse network of surf and ocean-centered nonprofits throughout California, to transform social- and policy-based barriers to the outdoors, and to create a new vision for an inclusive and joyful surf culture.
Purpose
To drive a statewide movement that transforms who has access to the ocean—connecting surf and ocean-centered nonprofits to create lasting change in policies, programs, and narratives that shape California’s coastal culture.
Goals
- Advance Coastal Access for All
- Champion equal coastal access for outdoor equity programs alongside the broader public
- Support Equity-Driven Surf Organizations
- Strengthen and grow the capacity of nonprofits focused on equity in surfing
- Reconnect Surf Culture with Respect and Roots
- Shift surf culture toward relationship with the ocean, land, and people — honoring the Indigenous origins of surfing and deepening collective understanding
Co-Creation
We emphasize a collaborative and inclusive approach to problem-solving, innovation, disagreement, and decision-making, taking time to reflect to ensure that all voices are honored and that diverse perspectives and insights contribute to our success.
Community
We foster a sense of belonging, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. This involves recognizing the importance of building relationships and the strength that these bonds create. No one is left out of the line-up, we ride the waves together.
Equity
We value, protect, and uplift every member of the Surf Justice Collective and the communities we represent. We meet individuals where they are, ensuring they’re supported and equipped to thrive.
Joy
We cultivate authentic joy in all its forms—laughter, enthusiasm, a zest for life, and even joyful rage—as a vital part of self-care and collective resilience. We recognize that systemic oppression, discrimination, and social inequities have long stifled joy, and we reclaim it as a radical, sustaining force in our work.
Rejecting Anti-Blackness
We actively seek to oppose and eradicate racism in all of its forms, recognizing that racism is a systemic issue that requires proactive efforts to dismantle. We reject anti-Blackness, create welcoming spaces for historically marginalized communities, and honor diverse identities and capacities for advocacy.
Internal Structure
The Operating Committee receives external funding to support their role as co-facillitators of the Surf Justice Collective.
Operating Committee
Outdoor Outreach and Salted Roots provides administrative, decision-making, and logistical support across the Collective.
Participation Structure
- Monthly Collective Meetings
- Objective Specific Working Groups
- Annual Retreat
Current Membership & Expansion
Collective members receive annual stipends for their participation and labor. All Collective members receive travel support (i.e., transportation costs, food expenses, and lodging) to enable participation in the annual Retreat.
We honor the work of partner and ally organizations and recognize the importance of shared learning and movement building. We are currently developing capacity-building workshops and educational sessions to support broader organizational development and information access.
Interested organizations are welcome to sign up for our email list to stay up to date on equitable access legislation, events, and other opportunities to take action.
Eligibility and Criteria
Organizations should support systematically excluded communities and seek to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access along the California coast and/or to surf or other forms of water-based recreational and cultural activities.
Organizations/groups are not required to be a 501c(3) to join the Surf Justice Collective. However, 501c(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations are encouraged to apply as the subject matter often touches on issues impacting nonprofit organizational structures and programs.
Additionally, all organizations must be aligned with racial justice and dismantling anti-Blackness, as well as addressing sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and uplifting Indigenous communities.
The organization/group will be asked to complete a survey about its organizational goals, demographics, and leadership to be considered.
Join the Line Up
Sign up for our mailing list to stay connected, learn about upcoming events, and join us in creating a just and inclusive surf culture.
