The first set rolled in for Surfers for Climate in October 2019, when surfing co-founders Johnny Abegg and Belinda Baggs attended a climate summit on Heron Island, off the coast of Queensland within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

They were moved by what they learned about climate science, the impacts of climate change and just how many viable solutions already existed in Australia. Most importantly, they were struck by the critical role the oceans play in addressing the climate crisis.

The experience left them breathless, like gasping for air after a solid beatdown, but they were committed to paddling back out and taking the drop for climate action. That moment sparked a movement.

Inspired by the collective power of surfers during the successful Fight for the Bight campaign, they knew the surfing community could once again help turn the tide. What started as two surfers on a “party wave” of climate action has grown into a nationwide lineup of thousands, united by waves, community, and hope.

Australia’s surfing community is 2.5 million strong, from dawn patrollers to weekend warriors, groms to salty old sea dogs. We’re all connected by our relationship with the ocean and the understanding that comes from feeling its raw power.

While climate-fuelled cyclones might deliver a few days of epic surf, they come at an enormous cost — devastated homes, threatened livelihoods, and decades of recovery for coastal communities.

Beyond these visible impacts, a deeper marine crisis is unfolding. Our oceans are boiling, the chemistry of our waters is changing, and underwater ecosystems are collapsing. The very environment that makes surfing possible is under threat.

But while others get stuck in doom and gloom, we’re out here making change happen, and having a good time doing it.

We’re building a groundswell that’s reshaping how the surfing community thinks about climate change and inspiring everyday Australians to take off into action.

We take a different line to most environmental groups. Instead of preaching to the converted, we harness surfing’s deep roots in Australian culture to connect with those who might otherwise tune out.

We trade wisdom with tradies about eco-friendly building. We watch seniors light up on their first wave and fall in love with the ocean all over again. Through programs like Blue Minds, we create space for young ocean lovers to turn their climate anxiety into action.

Each connection builds momentum. Every successful program amplifies our collective voice. When one tradie learns about sustainable building, they influence their whole worksite. When one student understands ocean health, they teach their family. When enough of us speak up, decision-makers listen.

Already, we’ve helped lock in protections for NSW waters from offshore drilling, pushed for permanent funding for beach water-quality monitoring, and are helping lead the Final Fight for the Bight, a national campaign to secure World Heritage listing for one of the world’s great wild coastlines.

This is the power of surfing in action: mobilising a powerful community, amplifying voices, and turning connection into action, from the beach to the halls of government.

Recognise and Respect the ‘True Locals’
We honour and learn from First Nations connection to Country and culture.

Bold Inclusion
We celebrate the diversity of surf culture and welcome every kind of surfer and ocean lover. All abilities, identities, backgrounds and beliefs. Everyone’s invited on the party wave of climate action.

Thoughtful Larrikins
We channel the spirit of surfing’s counter culture roots. Climate change can be complex and depressing. We’re here to have fun while changing the world.

Collaboration and Connection
We work with like-minded communities, businesses and organisations to make change happen. We’re all about imperfect action above perfect inaction. It’s a journey man…

Respect

We look after the ocean and each other, always.