As we drove into the entrance of the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, we were greeted by deer foraging on the roadside. As we continued, we saw even more deer! For a born-and-raised San Diegan who has to drive to Julian to see larger wildlife, this was an exciting way to start the Surfrider California Chapter and Club Leadership Conference. For the next three days, we were surrounded by picturesque Monterey weather and terrain.
From Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 2, over 140 leaders from across California gathered to connect, learn, and strengthen our commitment to Surfrider. As we face ongoing threats to the places we work to protect, it is refreshing and energizing to be surrounded by others who are equally concerned and just as determined to keep fighting for our ocean, waves, and beaches.
Photo: Main Hall for Surfrider conference at Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds.
Killer Sunsets and Ocean Vibes
The conference kicked off Friday evening with s’mores by the bonfire, bringing together ocean stewards from across the state. Later, we headed to Hops and Fog Brewing Co., an Ocean Friendly Restaurant (OFR), for a fundraiser supporting the Monterey Chapter.
Photo: Sunsets did not disappoint at Asilomar State Beach.
The Asilomar Grounds felt like a nostalgic return to sixth-grade camp (if you were lucky enough to go), with cabins scattered throughout and a large dining hall where we gathered for meals. Saturday morning opened with remarks from Surfrider Foundation CEO Chad Nelsen on the state of Surfrider, our mission efforts, and how we’re pushing forward in the 2.0 era of the Trump Administration. Jen Savage, Associate Director of California Policy, followed with an engaging refresher on the California Coastal Act and its role in our campaigns.
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Photo: California Coastal Commission (CCC) Chair, Dr. Justin Cummings, speaking on the diversity of the CCC.
One of the most inspiring presentations came from keynote speaker Dr. Justin Cummings, Chair of the California Coastal Commission (CCC). He shared insights from his experience in local politics and the CCC’s accomplishments, as well as the uncertainties ahead. His talk was a powerful reminder of why our work at Surfrider matters.
Breakout Sessions
Throughout the day, attendees participated in focused sessions, many led by San Diego Chapter staff:
- Volunteer Recruitment & Retention
- California Policy and You! (Climate and Ocean Protection)
- Clean Water Initiative
- Plastics Initiative
- Climate Action
- Covered and Confident
No Surfrider event is complete without time at the beach! We wrapped up the day with a sunset tour of the Asilomar Marine Protected Area and a beach bonfire.
Building a Stronger Network
Sunday morning opened with group sessions on memberships and fundraising. The San Diego County Chapter, established in 1991, is now the largest chapter. We rely on
financial contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses to ensure our ability to achieve our mission and grow our impact.
A panel on California Fire Response and Natural Disaster Resources shared lessons from the 2023 Maui wildfire disaster. Our Hawai’i Regional Staff, Hanna Lilley, worked closely with the LA Chapter to exchange knowledge on collective advocacy and community resilience. The panel, moderated by Surfrider’s CEO, highlighted powerful stories of collaboration and impact.
Photo from L to R: California Fire Response and Natural Disaster Resources panel included Kathryn Dressendorfer, Hanna Lilley, Eugenia Ermacora, Tina Segura, and Chad Nelsen.
The Next Generation
Many don’t realize that California has the highest concentration of Surfrider Student Clubs in the country—over 35 student leaders attended this conference! The Student Club Network (SCN) team provided an overview of Surfrider’s national SCN, with a focus on California. Before the conference, students gathered for a pre-conference session on policy advocacy, local sightseeing, and leadership workshops.
In San Diego alone, we have 15 student clubs at the high school and college level. Our SCN provides a platform for young people to engage in environmental action through service, leadership development, civic engagement, and direct action organizing. These student-led initiatives drive environmental stewardship on campuses and in local communities.
See You Next Year
Photo from L to R: Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter conference attendees— a mix of staff and volunteers— included (back row) Udo Wah, Sunshine Johnson, Zachary Zeilman, Mitch Silverstein, Annie Hafer, Janis Jones, and (front row) Gabriel Racca, Erika Rodriguez, AnaLeesia Tripp, Joana Guerra, Camila Garcia-Cisneros, and Sarah Davidson.
The conference was an opportunity to connect with Surfrider Foundation Chapter and Student Club Leaders, as well as Surfrider Staff from across California. It was a space to learn from one another, share local perspectives, and strengthen our collective impact.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get involved with a Surfrider Club or Chapter near you,
learn more here!
