Are we surfing in poo?

The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program tests 81 sample locations at 25 beaches for the presence of fecal bacteria, and reports elevated levels to the public.

Before paddling out, it's wise to check for for current advisories:

North coast beaches

Mid coast beaches

South coast beaches

Rerip Partners with Patagonia Surf to Offer Surfboard Recycling

Rerip and Patagonia partner again to provide a surfboard recycling location in Ventura County. Fletcher Chouinard Designs (Patagonia Surf) is now accepting surfboards for recycling, becoming the newest Rerip recycling location and the second Patagonia store, in addition to the Cardiff-by-the-Sea location.

Fletcher Chouinard Designs not only sells environmentally friendly surf gear, boards and apparel, they also financially support local environmental causes. They kicked off the board recycling location during their August 27th board swap, where employees and attendees donated nearly a dozen boards in only a few hours.

Surfboards in any condition can be dropped off at any of the Rerip recycling locations, including Patagonia Cardiff and Ventura, Noll Surfboards in San Clemente, and Coconut Pete’s in San Diego. Surfable and repairable boards are donated to local and international youth programs or resold at low prices to support the recycling program. Unrideable boards and remnants are used for the Rerip artist network and research and development opportunities.

About Rerip: Rerip.org is an organization striving to keep boards out of landfills and encouraging action sports enthusiasts to Rerip their unused gear. Run by a team of volunteers, Rerip hosts annual events and awareness campaigns, and is growing its surfboard Recycling Program up the California coast and beyond.

Hopefully Oregon will have a location soon. I'm looking into it now...will keep you posted.

Make your own organic surf wax

Every one of us can help protect Oregon's coastline

We may have frigid and sometimes sharky waters to contend with, but in terms of access, Oregonians are lucky. Thanks to the Beach Bill of 1967, 90% of our 362 miles of coastline is accessable. But with that priviledge comes the responsibility to protect it.

There are many ways to get involved to make a difference for our own sake, and for future generations. Start by joining Surfrider Foundation. Surfrider advocates for clean water, beach access, beach preservation and protecting special places – many of which happen to be our favorite surf breaks. And they are damn good at it.

The Surfrider Foundation's greatest strength is their grassroots, community-based focus and ability to act as local activists for the protection of the coast – YOUR coast. Contact your local chapter and get involved! You might even have a good time.

Portland Chapter
Newport Chapter
Suislaw Chapter
Washington Chapter Network

By the way, if you're interested in knowing how we came about our landmark Beach Bill, check out the 2008 documentary The Politics of Sand.

An online Costal Atlas is also available to the public that provides a wealth of information on coastal resources.