International Surfing Day returns on JUNE 20th

This Year’s Event: Otter Rock ‘n’ Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge

WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 8am-8pm
WHERE: Otter Rock State Park

Founded five years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day unites surfers from around the world in celebration of the sport of surfing. As is tradition with the annual holiday, surfers will do their part to give back to our oceans, waves and beaches through various activities and events courtesy of the Surfrider Foundation and beach lovers around the globe.

This year, the Newport, Siuslaw and Portland Chapters of Surfrider Foundation are teaming up to host the first ever Otter Rock ‘n’ Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge. An 18 and under surf contest, the event includes a special division for beginners who will receive a surf lesson with their registration. Event pre-registration is $10.00 and forms can be found at otterrocknroll.oregonsurfrider.com. All participants will receive great prizes from our local and global sponsors. Additional games and activities including the special Beach Cleanup Challenge where kids can compete for different prizes through stewardship activities taking place throughout the day.

“This event is all about the kids,” says Newport Chapter Chair Joe Haxel. “It's an opportunity for the Oregon Chapters to provide a surf contest experience that focuses entirely on children and families, promotes beach stewardship, and encourages kids to make a personal connection with their coastline through riding waves, picking up trash, and caring about the water quality and overall health of the beach environment.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Newport Chapter Chair Joe Haxel at haxsoul@charter.net

7th Annual CSO contest, June 27-28th

This contest is a local favorite for it's "go where the waves are" format. And surfers are guaranteed a minimum of two heats. Location to be announced on June 26th. More info on the Contests page.

Water quality advisories (a.k.a. the poo factor)

Sample results detected higher thannormal fecal bacteria levels at the following locations:

June 18, 2009: Sunset Bay State Park

The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) monitors the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria, and reports elevated levels to the public. For information on advisories, testing sites, and the program in general, follow this link.

OSP Fan Club Support the site you so dearly love by sporting an OSP Hoody, t-shirt (now in long sleeve too), or an embroidered beanie. Stickers too. Just can't get enough of the OSP. Click here to order.

The state of our beaches

Oregon began to implement a statewide beach water quality monitoring program in 2003. An on-line Costal Atlas is now available that provides a wealth of information on coastal resources. Beach access information and status is exceptional due to Oregon's longstanding "Beach Bill", with greater than one access site per mile of shoreline.