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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
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.