Surfers Are the Coastal Force for Climate Action

It’s official, something powerful is happening in lineups across Australia. It’s more than just the quiet camaraderie of dawn patrols at local beaches, it’s a rising awareness that the ocean we love is under threat, and surfers are increasingly willing to step up to protect it.

Surfers for Climate’s ‘Swell Check’ survey set out to better understand how Australia’s surfing community views the environment, ocean conservation, climate change, renewable energy and their role in protecting the places they love. With over 1085 responses from surfers across Australia, the results are clear: surfers aren’t just witnesses to environmental change, we’re on the frontlines, and we’re paddling deep to act.

Surfers Are More Alarmed About Climate Change Than the Average Aussie

Living in sync with the ocean gives surfers a unique perspective on environmental changes. Rising sea levels, disappearing reefs, warming waters, and more frequent extreme weather events are not just abstract concerns, but all too frequently impacting the places we surf, the conditions we depend on, and the ecosystems that sustain life beneath the surface.

It’s no surprise then that 66% of surfers surveyed identified climate change as the biggest threat to the ocean, compared to lower levels of concern in the general public. Surfers don’t just hear about climate change, they see it, feel it, and paddle through it.

This awareness translates into a strong sense of urgency. 82% of surfers strongly agree that climate change is something we need to act on now, with many respondents expressing a desire for more action from individuals, communities, and governments. 

"I don’t see myself as separate from the earth and its climate. If my body is running hot, I’m unwell with a fever. I guess the same goes for the planet. We probably should do whatever we can to recover from the sickness."

Surfers Feel Deeply Connected to Nature and See Themselves as Ocean Guardians

Beyond their heightened concern about climate change, Swell Check shows that surfers are motivated by a profound personal connection to the ocean. The majority of respondents described surfing as more than just a sport, but more an experience that connects them to nature in a way that influences their values and actions. Many surfers feel a strong sense of personal responsibility to protect the ocean, with 92% of respondents saying ocean protection is very important to them. No politics or abstract policies, simply protecting something that feels like home.

"The ocean can’t defend itself, so we need to do it for it."

This connection often leads to changes in behavior. Many surfers reported taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as making more sustainable choices in their everyday lives, supporting conservation initiatives, and educating those around them.

"A culture change needs to happen where it becomes clear that change starts with our own self and at home."

"Every little bit of action helps. I try to do the best I can, both personally and professionally. I try to be a good example to my kids, workmates, and others."

Surfers Are Calling for More Renewable Energy and Climate Action

Surfers overwhelmingly support stronger climate action and a shift toward renewable energy. 81% of respondents said it’s extremely important for Australia to increase its renewable energy sources now.

The urgency of this energy shift is not lost on the surfing community. As ocean lovers, surfers understand that Australia’s dependence on fossil fuels is contributing to the very climate impacts that are threatening our coastlines. What surfers want is leadership for the clean energy industry.

"We need the government to be a whole lot more proactive in rolling out solar and batteries, and look at the way that land is managed."

This widespread support for renewables ties into a broader belief among surfers that climate solutions must be implemented at every level—from individual choices to systemic change.

Offshore Wind: Surfers Show Strong Support, But Misinformation Remains a Challenge

One of the most pressing discussions in coastal communities right now is the development of offshore wind energy. The Swell Check Survey found that 75% of surfers strongly or somewhat support offshore wind projects at least 20 km offshore.

While this level of support is encouraging, there is still a degree of uncertainty and misinformation within communities. Some respondents expressed concerns about the potential impact of offshore wind farms on marine life, while others noted that misleading claims are being circulated in their local areas.

"Offshore wind farms are needed, and the misinformation needs to be addressed within communities."

Surfers have a unique role to play in these conversations. As respected voices in coastal communities, they have the credibility to cut through the noise and share accurate, science-based information about offshore wind and other renewable energy solutions.

The Swell Check survey results suggest that with the right outreach and education, support for offshore wind among surfers and their broader networks could grow even stronger.

Surfers Are Thinking About Future Generations of Groms

Another key theme that emerged from the survey was the concern about the long-term consequences of climate change. 83% of respondents said they believe climate change will harm future generations, highlighting a strong sense of intergenerational responsibility.

For many surfers, the motivation to act isn’t just about their own experiences in the water, but more about ensuring that their children, grandchildren, and future generations of groms have the same opportunities to surf, explore, and connect with the natural world.

This deep-rooted concern reinforces the idea that surfing is more than a lifestyle, but a way of thinking that places the health of the planet at its core.

From the Lineup to Leadership: Surfers Are Taking Action

One of the most inspiring takeaways from the Swell Check Survey is that surfers are not waiting for others to lead, they’re already paddling out and taking action in their own lives and communities.

Whether it’s pushing for stronger ocean protections, supporting renewable energy, reducing their own environmental impact, or engaging in conversations about climate change, surfers are proving that their connection to the ocean runs deeper than just the time they spend in the water. 

Surfers have a long history of challenging the status quo - Tom Carroll was willing to boycott surfing events in South Africa to protest apartheid; another famously grabbed the bow of a US Navy vessel to protest nuclear; others have been shaping countercultures within the core of surfing; and many have been on the beaches to protect breaks from development. Now, surfers are bringing that same energy to the fight for climate action.

Already, we’ve seen powerful examples of surfer-led advocacy making a difference, from successful campaigns to stop offshore drilling in NSW waters and further offshore, to the growing network of surf tradies championing sustainable building practices. These efforts show that when surfers speak, people listen.

The Swell Check Survey results confirm what we’ve long known: surfers aren’t just riding waves, we’re leading a movement to protect them!

This is Just the Beginning

To everyone who took part in the Swell Check Survey—thank you. Your insights are helping to shape a movement that’s only just getting started. The full report will be out soon, but one thing is already clear: surfers aren’t just out there enjoying the waves—we’re making sure they’ll be there for generations to come.

Now’s the time to paddle out. Let’s make waves together. 🌊