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Punta Abreojos, Baja Mexico: In 2003, as part of a larger project titled the “Escalera Nautica,” the Mexican government proposed building a series of harbors and marinas along the Pacific coast. One of these harbors was slated for Punta Abreojos. Fortunately for surfers, after an intense negative press campaign that questioned the financial strength and environmental harm of the project, many North American investors pulled out. Photo: Zac Plopper
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Ruggles, Rhode Island: Plans to repair the world famous “Cliff Walk” in Newport, Rhode Island, from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in fall of 2012 nearly led to the destruction of this gem. Thankfully, a swift and organized response from the Newport surf community encouraged local leaders and decision makers to request proposals for rebuilding plans that did not harm the surf. Photo: Dave McLaughlin
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La Herradura, Peru: Save The Waves and Peruvian surfers scored a resounding victory in early November 2004 when GREMCO developers agreed to scrap a marina proposal at La Herradura, a perfect left point break near Lima. La Herradura was spared after opponents of the development cited that the economic value of the wave to the local community outweighed that of the proposed marina. Photo: Will Henry
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Trestles, CA: A well organized coalition, including grass roots activists, the Surfrider Foundation, and the National Resource Defense Council, worked tirelessly to save Trestles from destruction at the hands of the Transportation Corridor Authority...twice. More than 3,000 members of the Save Trestles Coalition showed up at the final California Coastal Commission hearing, the largest crowd in CCC hearing history, to express their disapproval of the TCA project. Photo: Will Henry
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Mundaka, Spain: 2003 marked the largest sand-dredging operation ever to occur in the Oka River's history, with over 243,000 cubic meters of sand removed to facilitate the entry and exit of barges to and from Mundaka harbor. This dredging caused the wave, and the sandbars that form it, to all but disappear for the nearly two years. Save The Waves and partners conducted a’Surfonomics’ study to lobby the government with economic arguments of the waves value. After dredging activity was cancelled, the wave has returned to its former glory. Photo: Will Henry
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Pavones, Costa Rica: In 2011 the Costa Rican government, under pressure from international press attention, announced that it would no longer consider the Granjas Atuneras de Golfito SA's petition to construct 80 tuna cages a mile off shore of Gulfo Dulce. The project would have diminished water quality in an area with immense biodiversity and the world-class surf break, Pavones. Photo: www.unaola.com
Had a memorable wave or session recently? Maybe you picked off a set wave at your favorite local spot or you might have lucked into a clean, little runner on a day when waves seemed few and far between. Either example fairly illustrates the idea that it only takes one wave to make your day.
What follows is a list of seven waves, from around the world, that we are stoked still exist, thanks to the hard work of numerous and diverse organizations and individuals. The following waves were spared from ill-conceived developments and continue to make us thankful each day.
As a bonus, number seven is your home break! Join Save The Waves today and help keep informed on threats to the health of a break near you. We are working hard to establish protection for waves before they are threatened, but we can only do this with your help. Become a member today, donate, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
If there’s a wave you’re thankful has been saved that wasn’t on this list, share it in the comments below.
