The Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter is always excited to team up with companies that share our mission: the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people. So when COOLA approached us about partnering for a second year, we were stoked.
Founded in 2007, COOLA was inspired by a deeply personal story—its founder began researching proper sun protection after his parents experienced melanoma scares. That mission still drives the brand today.
COOLA prides itself on using sustainably farmed, formulated with organic ingredients. Their products are vegan and Hawai’i Act 104 compliant, meaning they never include Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, helping to protect marine life and coral reefs.
Our first partnership with COOLA kicked off in summer 2024 during our Morning After Mess cleanup on July 5th—the dirtiest beach day of the year following the Fourth of July. A continued partnership felt only natural—this time to celebrate Earth Day.
On Saturday, April 19th, Surfrider San Diego and COOLA welcomed 265 volunteers to Moonlight State Beach for a public beach cleanup. Our cleanups are a fun and impactful way for people to plug into our mission. Volunteers of all ages—from tourists to local clubs and community groups—are the heart of this program.
As a thank you, participants received free sunscreen and coffee, courtesy of COOLA. Together, we removed 121 pounds of debris from the coastline. The top three items collected were:
We’re proud to recognize COOLA as a Coastal Defender Sponsor and thank them for helping us protect what we love most: our coastlines. Corporate sponsors like COOLA play a vital role in advancing our mission while also engaging their audiences in meaningful action.
To learn more about COOLA, visit their website here. All photos were provided by COOLA.
Interested in partnering with us? Learn more about Surfrider San Diego’s Corporate Sponsorships here.
*Combined total includes: plastic fragments smaller and larger than a dime, foam fragments smaller and larger than a dime, and plastic food wrappers (e.g., candy and chip bags).