Welcome to Issue # 4 in this 2003 set of Surfrider Foundation (Australia) eNews.

Introduction

Welcome to the May 2003 edition of Australian Surfrider eNews.

There's a definite change in the weather at this time of year with winter just around the corner. While those in the north might be lamenting the inevitable struggle from boardies to a springsuit, those in the south tend to look forward to dusting off the steamer and the 7'0" as the offshores and groundswell start to kick in.

Winter is also a time to reflect on the changing nature of the coast as the summer crowds drop off like a summer windswell, leaving the beaches - especially mid-week - to the locals and the lifestylers. Nature starts to move in different ways, too. The ocean becomes a darker blue with the offshores and takes on a different texture. There are often noticeably fewer footprints on the beach, and the early morning can find you rugged up and checking the surf with a handful of others, or even by yourself. The first north-migrating whales should start to show up soon, and we tend to see some of those magnificent Antarctic seabirds escaping the cold of the deep south.

While it might be harder to get up and out for the 'early' with that nippy off-shore and late-rising sun, remember "It's the early surfer that catches the swell". With the ever-increasing popularity and resulting pressure on the coast these days, we need to keep a constant eye out for those things that threaten our coast and surfing lifestyle - that's one of the reasons Surfrider's members are so important - you're our eyes and ears.

Communications Director - Steve Blackley

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Australian Surfrider eNews is the bi-monthly email bulletin from Surfrider Foundation Australia.

Surfrider is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of Australia's oceans, waves and beaches for all people through: Conservation, Advocacy, Research and Education.

There are many ways to support the work of Surfrider:

· our memberships cater to every individual, including families;

· we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities;

· make a tax-deductible donation to the Surfrider Fund; or

· start your own Surfrider Branch

It's too easy to get involved! For more information see www.surfrider.org.au or call our National Office on 61-7-5534 2855.