Gift Ideas for Christmas 2009

Donate to Surfrider. A financial gift on behalf of a friend, family member or business that goes towards Australia’s marine and coastal environments. It is only through our supporters that Surfrider Foundation Australia can fight the battles that face our oceans, waves and beaches. When you donate, join or renew your membership, you are helping the Surfrider Foundation confront water pollution, beach access, beach loss and other serious concerns facing your beach
Donate to Surfrider.

What’s the gift that keeps on giving? a 12 month Membership to Surfrider Foundation Australia. Help protect our oceans, waves and beaches. Join Surfrider Foundation today! Families, individuals, businesses or students…
Membership for Surfrider Foundation Australia

The Surfers Mind is the ultimate guide to mastering your mind for peak performance in surfing and in life… Learn to harness the full power of your mind for success in sport, business, artistic pursuits and life.
Donation of $5.00 per book to Surfrider Foundation Australia

Surfing World magazine subscription. Australia’s first surfing magazine, since 1962 SW have endeavored to present and treat surfers, surfing and the ocean with substance, relevance and respect. Each issue SW deliver the stories, the characters, the travel, the culture and the epic backyard sessions to create an experience second only to paddling out.

Thought provoking, intelligent, spiritual, energetic and hilarious, the entire gamut of emotions and feelings associated with our long and remarkable coastal culture is represented in its pages.

If you love to surf, then Surfing World is your magazine.
Donation of $10.00 per subscription to Surfrider Foundation Australia

RTB – Conservation

Marine Debris – what is it?

Marine debris is typically defined as any man-made object discarded, disposed of, or abandoned that enters the coastal or marine environment. It may enter directly from a ship, or indirectly when washed out to sea via rivers, streams and storm drains.

How does it impact the environment?

Human behaviour has created the marine debris problem.

100,000 marine animals and 1 million sea birds die every year from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine debris.

In every square mile of ocean is an estimated 46,000 pieces of marine debris.

When plastics break down in the ocean environment they never biodegrade, they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic until they form a fine plastic powder. Some plastics take well over 600 years to break down into this fine powder which will remain in the environment forever.

Every day ships throughout the world dispose of 5.5 million items of waste into our oceans.

Three times as much rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans annually as the weight of fish caught.

Over 6 million tons of debris finds its way into the world’s oceans every year.

What is the National Marine Debris Initiative?

The initiative aims at empowering individuals and community groups to adopt their local stretch of coast and work on proactive ways or removing and reducing the amount of marine debris impacting their marine ecosystem through beach cleanups and community education.

The initiative engages with volunteers, community groups, industry and government agencies and other environmental organisations in making a positive and sustainable impact on marine debris.

Surfrider Foundation Australia is proud to partner with Tangaroa Blue to launch the National Marine Debris Initiative.

The Tangaroa Blue and Surfrider Foundation Australia National Marine Debris Initiative is not just a beach clean up. Data is collected on items found, which is then collated and wherever possible traced to the source. This assists in creating a picture on the impact of debris in specific locations.

By then working with the community as well as government agencies and industry, it is possible to make changes in the design or use of these items, as well as legislation and educational strategies so these items do not end up on our beaches in the first place.

All data collected is submitted to our Marine Debris Database which is made available to all stakeholders for research and educational purposes.

Volunteers involved in the Marine Debris Projects have removed more than 500,000 pieces of marine debris during beach and coastal clean ups since 2004. Each piece of debris collected is no longer a threat to marine life and seabirds, helping to keep the ocean environment healthier.

So what can you do?

We invite individuals and groups of the community as well as members of Surfrider Australia to to visit their local beach and regularly participate in cleanups.

You can participate in a cleanup as part of the National Marine Debris Initiative by registering your location and volunteers.

For ongoing cleanups, you can also register here:

Step 1: Register you volunteers and cleanup location

Step 2: Download the Cleanup Sheet

Step 3: Submit your data to the National Marine Debris database through the instructions on the cleanup sheet form.

Find out more about marine debris and here at oceancare.org.au
For more information and to regsiter contact Heidi Taylor at heidi@oceancare.org.au
Looking for information on the Tassie Cleanup? Check it out here.

Marine Debris Resources
surfline.com.au

Riley Balsawood Surfboards

Surfrider Foundation Australia are pleased to welcome Riley Balsawood Surfboards to the family.

Surfrider Foundation Australia thank Riley Balsawood Surfboards for their donation of four balsa blanks for our displays and for Auction at our recent fundraising events. The two balsa blanks raised over $1500 for Surfrider Foundation Australia.

Mark Riley, the masterind behind Riley Balsawood Surfboards, is actively involved in finding more environmentally friendly surfboards.

Balsawood In producing only balsawood surfboards, Riley Balsawood Surfboards have already taken a big step towards more environmentally friendly surfboards. A balsa wood tree grows very fast. After 3-4 years it already reaches a height of up to 10 metres and a diameter of 50-65 cm. The tree will not grow any more after this time (it actually dies) so it is best to harvest it then. At the time of cutting it, the balsa tree holds seeds in like a cotton wool ball and when it hits the ground the seeds are scattered on the ground. Usually there will be around 10 seeds which germinate from this (if not more).  Balsa wood is therefore highly sustainable and can be recycled.

In order to reduce their CO2 footprint Riley Balsawood Surfboards have started growing their own balsa trees near Cooktown, Queensland rather than importing it from Ecuador. Unfortunately the climate here in Australia is not as ideal as in Ecuador which means Riley Balsawood Surfboards will further have to import balsa wood from Ecuador. HoRiley Balsawood Surfboardsver, Riley Balsawood Surfboards import large quantities by the container and ship it here rather than importing small quantities via air transport.

Because the balsa substrate is stronger than the regular polyurethane blank – it requires less glass and less resin therefore reducing the impact on the environment.

Shaping

During the shaping process Riley Balsawood Surfboards don’t use harmful materials. In fact, on their solid surfboards the only waste is balsa and redwood saw dust (which is put into composting for the garden. Some small off cuts are given to schools.

Recycled polystyrene core Their foam core boards have a recycled polystyrene core (rather than a urethane core) which is safer for the shaper and the environment – it can be recycled again.  The glues Riley Balsawood Surfboards use contain no volatile or flammable ingredients. Riley Balsawood Surfboards recycle the sand paper after it is used in their machines. It is reused for hand sanding.

Riley Balsawood Surfboards are also currently working on an environmentally friendly resin. All of their fins, fin boxes, leash plugs are exclusively Australian made with balsa coltheiring. Their factory’s hot water is powered by solar energy.

Lasts longer

In addition to being less toxic, Riley surfboards is tried and tested to last at least 5 times longer than a board made out of traditional materials. This means less or no boards on landfills.

Riley’s Australian wide ctheirier uses “Carbon Neutral” to offset any emissions – by planting trees or purchasing Greenhouse Friendly Verified Emissions Reduction Units (VER’s). For all national and international orders Riley Balsawood Surfboards use recycled packaging – please do the right thing when receiving an order and either re-use the packaging or recycle it properly. All their file keeping is either electronic or printed on re-used paper. Instead of printing thousands of brochures – Riley Balsawood Surfboards use the email and internet to distribute their information. Riley Balsawood Surfboards do not send their newsletter via paper and post – but rather electronically.

More about shaper, Mark Riley

The History of Riley Balsawood Surfboards

Growing up near Melbourne and Sydney Mark Riley was drawn to surfing at an early age and spent the majority of his time in the water. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship and working several years in the trade Mark was ready for a change. He packed his bag and surfboards and was off on an extensive trip through Central and South America.

Two months into the trip Mark had broken both Polyurethane (PU) boards he had brought along. Having this frustrated experience in the back of his mind he stumbled upon balsa wood in Ecuador. The material was light, had great flex characteristics and grew on sustainable farms. Being a carpenter by trade Mark knocked up his first board then and there.

After the first trial sessions Mark saw the potential in the material – not just as solid balsa surfboards but also in the combination with foam.

12 months after leaving Australia Mark returned to Sydney – in tow a container of balsa sticks. Soon after, in April 1996, Riley Balsawood Surfboards was founded.

The company started making beautiful, high quality retro style 50′s and 60′s Malibus. On the side Mark tested combinations of balsa and foam on his private boards. Three years later Mark was convinced to have found a true alternative to polyurethane surfboards. Recycled EPS foam in combination with a 2-3mm balsa “skin” made the boards super light but also very strong. The boards felt great in the water and attracted much attention. Word of mouth spread fast and soon the order books were filled with solid Classics as well as a range of EPS core shortboards, fishes, minimals and high performance longboards.

Nowadays Mark is still the director of Riley Classic Balsa Boards. He is the head shaper and runs the whole operation of selecting the balsa wood in Ecuador, grading, cutting, laminating, shaping and finishing all orders. As Ecuadorian balsa is renowned for its superb quality we still import containers on a regular basis. As we are constantly trying to reduce our impact on the environment we have also started growing balsa trees here in Australia. We are very proud of hand crafting all our products right here in Australia.

In late 2007 Riley Balsawood Surfboards launched an instructional DVD in which Mark shares his balsa shaping secrets. After great response from the surfing community we soon later also released a downloadable E-book explaining in detail how a solid balsawood surfboard is made.

In 2008 Riley Balsawood Surfboards launched the first 100% organic cotton and Australian made t-shirt line.

Mark lives with his wife Lourdes and kids Sebby and Elyss in Miranda (Sydney, NSW). Email Mark at mark@riley.com.au

Manly Wharf Bar Fundraiser success

Over 270 souls turned out to pay respect to the beaches and sea at Surfrider Foundation’s Northern Beaches inaugural annual fundraiser, proving that quite a few of us do indeed respect the fact we all use the same ocean.

Bridging the brief gap between Layne’s annual WCT contribution and the upcoming Manly Festival of Surfing, the event netted an astounding and much needed $16,500, the sum of which goes to Surfrider Foundation Australia, who takes it to the beach in action that runs the gamut from lobbying to preserve surf breaks to beach rubbish clean-ups.

Officially, Surfrider advises it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people, which essentially translates to: a group of people who surf and are keen to give back to something that was given to them. They’re a staggeringly small group and yes, there’s plenty of room for more.

If you missed the festivities this year, don’t in 2010. Think: Tim Bonython films on the big screen, Northern Beaches’ doyenne of funny Wendy Harmer on the mike, Ozzy Wright and the boys (now 5 strong—again) running through Goons Of Doom riffs that got the crowd moving. And prizes partygoers really, really wanted to win. (Just ask supporter Althera who bid for and scored a trip to the Maldives.) Not to mention some notable names in both politics and surfing who also turned up at the Wharf Bar Hotel to show their support.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Surfrider Foundation Australia General Manager Kristy Theissling. “The support and contribution that the Northern Beaches locals gave, both businesses and individuals, was very encouraging. It really shows how much preserving and protecting our beaches means to the community. The crew behind this event all put in long, hard voluntary hours that resulted in a fantastic outcome. We consider the evening a great success and already are looking forward to next year’s.”

A Surfrider membership can be anyone’s for as little as $45 by visiting at www.surfrider.org.au or stopping by their booth at A Day at the Park in Cronulla on 14 November.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Roche
Ph: 0404 617 563
Kroche1@gmail.com

Awesome sponsors of auction and raffle prizes for “We All Use The Same Ocean” are: Aloha, Coastalwatch, Dripping Wet, EcoDepot, FCS, Line Up, Mambo, Music Shed, Nada Witkamp,
RealSurf, Riley Classic Balsa Surfboards, Rip Curl, Skater HQ, Solid Racks, Southern Ocean Adventures, Sprout Daily, Sydney North Surf School, Surf Stitch, The Green Grouper, Volcom, Whitewater, Wicks, Wind Surf and Snow, Your Food Coach and of course the Wharf Bar in Manly for the use of their amazing venue.

2009 National Education Conference

9-9:30: Heidi Taylor from Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society talking on statistical analysis of rubbish collected on beaches, and how Surfrider members can participate. Data collected will be used to curb rubbish at its source.

9:30-10: Chris Tola from Coastalwatch and CoastalCOMS on latest beach width and sand management programs, and how Chapters can use this information to advocate for appropriate beach management, stop inappropriate seawalls and the like.

10-11: Debate  “Climate Change will be good for surfers”

11-11:30 Break for morning tea

11:30-12:10 Tristan Bird from Melbourne Aquarium on seabird rescue & rehabilitation of Australasian Gannets, Australian Pelicans, Little Penguins, Rufous Night Herons and some of the Cormorant species.

12:15-13:00: Chris Butler & Wayne Deane Case study presentation on the “Bring Back Kirra” campaign. Includes education on sand management, campaign planning, and coalition building.200

Auction & Raffle Items – Surfrider Legends Night – Friday November 6, 2009

Surfrider Legends Night
Friday November 6, 2009
Kirra Surf Club, Kirra

AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

Wayne French print – Silent Auction
Kirra Keg oil painting by Mitchell Rae 40cm x 15cm – Silent Auction

LIVE AUCTION:

Memorabilia:
1972 Signed posters Andy Mac and Michael Peterson
2009 Signed Buried Treasure Bus Shelter poster
1970s Chris Payne signed MP poster
Signed ‘Australias Surfing Champions’  poster. Framed.
Kirra Boardriders Footy Team photo
1970s Black and white shot of MP in the barrell, framed picture
St.Kilda 2008 NAB cup winning team signed jersey. Reserve $500
Award winning photo from Kirra paddle out by photographer Trent Mitchell

Weekend away to Noosa  Loud Auction
Weekend away to the Solitary Islands – Loud Auction
A Dean Morrison surfboard 6’3 JS – Loud Auction.
Bob McTavish signed book
Tim Baker signed book series
Balsa blank and How to make your own Balsa board DVD
2 x sunset cruise double passes

LUCKY DOOR:

1 lucky door prize
1 x sunset cruise double passes
MAD: photo frame

RAFFLE ITEMS:

Signed Buried treasure poster
1 Billabong gift pack
2 Billabong watches
Shapers (prize  pack)*( two leggies and two sets of surfboard fins)
Surf safe work books and early newsletters (Bob M)
2 x sunset cruise double passes

Raffle Tickets : 1 for $5 / 3 for $10 / 5 for $15

Carbon Footprint calculation for the 18th SFA Conference/AGM

A note from Greg Howell, Surfrider Gold Coast Tweed Chapter President

Hi Crew ,

I’m stoked you’re making the journey to the Gold Coast for this years conference and AGM it will be great to see all those old faces and to meet the new crew.

My business Climate Wave Enterprises is calculating and balancing the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the Kirra SurfStock Festival and the 18th Surfrider Foundation National Conference/AGM.

This will be a first for Surfrider!  I’m not aware of any other Surfrider event in the world that will be as environmentally friendly as 2009.

We need your help to accurately make the calculation which can be done by you supplying us with the distances travelled by car, bus, train & plane.

But firstly as you’re all aware we will try to lesson our impact by taking a few small steps:

•    Reduce, reuse, recycle
•    Bring a memory stick
•    Natural lighting (as much as possible)

PLEASE email the details below to address greg@climatewave.com.

Car    Kms
Bus    Kms
Train    Kms
Plane    Origin                Destination

If you generally look after your own offsetting please let us know and good on you!

Thanks for helping with our calculation for a greener planet!

Greg Howell
President
Surfrider Foundation
Gold Coast Tweed Chapter
0414 939 942

This event has been environmentally managed and the greenhouse gas emissions generated have been calculated & balanced by Climate Wave Enterprises, EcoFund and Southern Gold Coast.

See you at the Conference!