The Global Wave Conference
Surfers Against Sewage leads global event to call for greater protection of waves, oceans, beaches and marine habitats worldwide.
Surfers Against Sewage is thrilled to be hosting the Global Wave Conference 2015, a major international event focused on the protection of waves, oceans, beaches and surf habitats worldwide.
The Global Wave Conference provides an unprecedented platform to promote the efforts of the enviro-surf community to protect priceless marine environments and natural surf heritage. The conference will be taking place at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel conference venue and at the Houses of Parliament from 11th- 14th October 2015.
The event will bring together some of the world’s most respected surfers, environmentalists, sustainable business leaders, grassroots activists, campaigners and marine experts focused on the protection of waves, oceans, beaches, wildlife and surf habitats worldwide. The conference will explore solutions to better protecting surf habitats and the latest sustainable developments from the surf industry, including eco-surfboard design and sustainable surf tourism.
Keynote speeches will be presented by big wave legend Greg Long, Guardian ethical journalist and BBC television presenter Lucy Siegle and scientist & explorer Dr Easkey Britton.
Hugo Tagholm, Chief Executive Officer of Surfers Against Sewage says: “The Global Wave Conference provides an unprecedented platform to promote the efforts of the enviro-surf community to share strategies to better protect priceless marine environments and natural surf heritage. The environmental vandalism impacting waves, oceans, beaches and marine wildlife worldwide is truly shocking. From plastic pollution to raw sewage discharges, in places we’re witnessing the wholesale destruction of unique and irreplaceable habitats and coastal spaces so vital for healthy and happy communities. I’m delighted that Surfers Against Sewage is at the forefront of marine conservation initiatives to protect surf habitats worldwide.”
Dr. Chad Nelsen, Chief Executive Officer of the Surfrider Foundation USA says: “Surfing is a truly global sport, as are the threats to our ocean and coasts, so it just makes sense to bring together the world’s leading surfing conservation organizations and businesses to seek scale in our impacts and the Surfrider Foundation is proud to contribute.”
Nik Strong-Cvetich, Executive Director, Save the Wave Coalition says: “We at Save The Waves are super stoked to be part of this historic effort furthering the protection of our waves, coast and oceans. The Global Wave Conference marks a real turning point for all of us.”
The conference will also welcome some of the world’s best surfers who are active in calling for better recognition and protection of sites of special surfing interest globally. Surfers Against Sewage is stoked to confirm that three-time world surfing champion Tom Curren, big wave surfing pioneers Greg Long and Brad Gerlach, and pro surfer and environmental activist Ramon Navarro will all be speaking at the Global Wave Conference.
3 x World Surfing Champion, Tom Curren
As part of the event, Surfers Against Sewage will be presenting 3 times world surfing champion, Tom Curren, with the inaugural Global Wave Champion Award for his services to protecting the environment. As a surfer, Tom has a life-long passion for the ocean environment. His commitment to protecting waves, oceans and beaches was demonstrated with his personal drive to set up the Surfrider Foundation Europe in 1990. The Global Wave Champion Award will be presented to Tom at the Houses of Parliament by Member of Parliament for Newquay & St Austell, Steve Double MP.
Tom Curren, three times world surfing champion says: “I’m honoured to be awarded the inaugural Global Wave Champion Award for the part I played in setting up the Surfrider Foundation Europe. It’s great to see the organisation still growing and creating positive change for our surf habitats. I’m also stoked to see Surfers Against Sewage and the global enviro-surf movement collaborating to protect sites of special surfing interest everywhere, for everyone. Thank you”
Surfers Against Sewage is working closely with Global Wave Conference partners the Surfrider Foundation, Save the Waves, Plymouth University, Parley for the Oceans, World Animal Protection, Sustainable Surf, Surfrider Foundation Europe and the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association in shaping the conference. The conference also includes participation from leading environmental organisations including Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Wildcoast, the National Trust, the Centre for Surf Research, Stanford University and the Ocean Foundation.
The Global Wave Conference wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast support of sponsors and partners Plymouth University Marine Institute, Plymouth University Sustainability & Surfing Group, Interface Carpets, Patagonia, Parley for the Oceans, the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, Finisterre, the Boardmasters, the Fisheries Local Action Group, Surfdome, Magicseaweed, the Bedruthan Steps Hotel and O’Neill.
For more information please contact Hugo Tagholm on 01872 555 951, 07980 727 294 or [email protected], or Jack Middleton on 01872 553 001, 07805 237858 or [email protected].
Enquiries & Press Accreditation
Please contact – Jack Middleton on 01872 553 001, [email protected] & 07805 237858.
For more information on all conference speakers and partners please visit the website – www.globalwaveconference.org