1. World Surfing Reserves
A Proactive Model for Coastal Protection
Dean LaTourrette
Executive Director, Save The Waves Coalition
October 25, 2011

2. Save The Wavesof Waves
The Value Mission:
Save The Waves Coalition is a global nonprofit organization dedicated
to protecting and preserving the coastal environment, with an
emphasis on the surf zone, and educating the public about its value.
Photo: William Henry

3. Surfing: History & Culture

4. World Surfing Reserves (WSR) proactively identifies, designates and
preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding
environments, around the world.
Photo: Anthony Ghiglia

6. WSR Annual Meeting 2011
WSR: Goals
1) Recognize & communicate the value of waves &
surf zones to the general public
2) Build community & capacity at the local level for
enhanced proactive protection
3) Establish a global network of sites that can share
& learn & benefit from each other

7. WSR Annual Meeting 2011
WSR Governance
Executive Committee &
Vision Council
Local Stewardship Council Field Team
(at WSR locales) (STW & Partner Staff)

8. WSR: How it Works
Criteria: Surf * Culture * Environment * Community
Photo: William Henry
Photo: William Henry

9. WSR Annual Meeting 2011
WSR: How it Works
WSR Application Process

10. WSR Annual Meeting 2011
WSR: How it Works
WSR Implementation

11. WSR Annual Meeting 2011
WSR: Results
1) Worldwide Designation & Recognition
2) Established Group of Local Stewards:
“Guardians”
3) Local Stewardship Plan – 3 Cornerstones:
- Threat Response
- Capacity Building
- Outreach & Education
4) Community Building Around Conservation

12. WSR Annual Meeting 2009
Surfing Reserve Pyramid
Current Focus WSR [“Mount Olympus”]
Top-Tier
Nationally [Larger qty of
Evolved Focus?
Significant significant sites]
Regionally [Mass appeal
Significant for local breaks]

13. Malibu, CA Ericeira, Portugal
October 2010 October 2011
Photo: Bill Parr Photo: Anthony Ghiglia
Manly Beach, AUS Santa Cruz, CA
February 2012 April 2012
Photo: Murray Fraser Photo: Ryan Craig

14. World Annual Meeting 2011
WSR Surfing Reserves Update

15. World Annual Meeting 2011
WSR Surfing Reserves Update

16. Malibu, CA
Photo: Lucas Wimer

18. Ericeira, Portugal

19. Ericeira, Portugal

20. Possible Future WSR Sites
Photo: William Henry

22. Global Collaboration
Photo: William Henry

23. www.savethewaves.org

24. WSR Annual Meeting 2009
Surfing Reserve Spectrum
Education Conservation
Orientation Orientation
World UNESCO
Surfing World Heritage
Reserves
Symbolic Bells Beach Tres Palmas State/
Designation NSRs Reserve National
Australia Parks
Least Legal Most Legal
Protection Protection

25. What’s the Value of Pristine
Surfing Coastline?
Photo: William Henry