Holland

Surfrider Foundation Holland started a strategic program to address the three mission related topics.
We have organised several projects on each of these topics.

1. Clean beaches

Besides the annual Ocean Initiatives that is still growing in size every year we have some othe awareness projects that focus on respecting local beaches. With national surf brand Ongetemd we developed a Dutch Pick Up 3 campaign that was well picked up and has national champion and Protest international team rider Yannick de Jager as an ambassador. Every year we also work with local partners to organise the Clean Up Kids event, that combines an educational clean up with an introduction to surfing. For the past years we have been a partner of the best and biggest surf music festival called MadNes; in 2011 we invited the Skeleton Sea artists to create a giant Trash Tube with us at the festival. Last but not least we help corporate organisations make their contribution by supporting company clean ups.

Contact vincent@surfriderfoundation.nl for more information

2. Clean water

Although the North Sea in Holland is expected to be relatively clean in Europe surfers face serious threats from sewage outlets at many local surfspots. Surfrider Foundation Holland has partnered with North Sea Foundation in legal procedures to successfully close the last  direct sewage outlets on the beaches of Wijk aan Zee and Bergen aan Zee by 2013. We are currently researching the impact of indirect sewage outlets near surfspots to establish the health risks for surfers at their local surfspots. We are using the Waterusere's Platform form Surfrider Foundation Europe to address this issue and involve other watersports organisations and local NGO's.

Contact tijmen@surfriderfoundation.nl for more information

3. Protection and accessibility of surfspots

As Holland was 'built' partially below sea level the coastline is constantly monitored and enforced to keep inhabitants safe. Costal enforcement developments are of huge impact to existing surfspots, especially since these are mostly doen by large sand suppletions. Surfrider Foundation Holland has been successful in partnering with national governmental bodies as stakeholder for the local watersports. Building new relationships with other watersports bodies is strengthening our position and impact representing stakeholders.

Contact martijn@surfriderfoundation.nl

For the last years we have found more and more organisations to be willing to partner with us in creating our success. In 2011 we have welcomed barefoot Wines as a partner and tying in with their Beach Rescue Project. Surfbrands like O'Neill, Quiksilver, Matunas and Ongetemd have been kind in providing give aways for local events. 

Many independent creatives, from webdesigners to photographers, as well as some established creative agencies have been supporting Surfrider Foundation Holland in creating campaigns and creative materials. Keep an eye out for some new campaigns that are expected to launch towards 2012!

Contact frank@surfriderfoundation.nl for fundraising and marketing activities

Mahalo from the Board of Surfrider Foundation Holland

- Protection and accessibility of surf spots