SAS’s new Protect Our Waves petition – www.protectourwaves.org.uk - aims to generate over 100,000 signatures to highlight the value of surfing waves and beaches, and encourage Parliament to debate legislation in order to recognise and specifically protect surfing waves as a cultural, social, economic and environmental asset to coastal communities. SAS will deliver the petition to 10 Downing Street in Summer 2013.
British surfing waves are under threat from a growing number of activities around our coastline that could destroy or have long-term devastating impact on some of our most prized surfing beaches. This includes coastal developments, pollution, and restricted access.
UK British artists Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, and Gabrielle Aplin have all been pictured with two of the adverts supporting the #ProtectOurWaves campaign, along with American musician and surfer Donavon Frankenreiter and Aussie signer, surfer Xavier Rudd.
Musician and surfer, Ben Howard stated:
“I’m stoked to support Surfers Against Sewage Protect Our Waves Petition. Beaches and surf spots should be better protected, so please join me in signing the SAS petition for clean, protected waves, beaches and oceans,”
Waves are an important and necessary part of the workings of our planet. Surfing beaches and waves also have a deep personal value to surfers and surfing communities around the UK. However, in the UK there is currently no specific legal protection for surfing waves or any assurance that stakeholders, including surfers and surfing communities in Wales, Northern Ireland or England*, will be consulted fairly on activities threatening their existence.
Other sports and activities such as walking and sailing are formally recognized, represented and consulted during many new development processes**. Other areas of outstanding beauty and countryside sites are also protected. But politicians, developers and the wider public in general have very little knowledge of the value, uniqueness and finite nature of surfing waves and the landscapes, swell corridors prevailing weather conditions and other conditions creating good quality waves.
The campaign has already generated support amongst politicians, surfing industry leaders and musicians, Lord Taylor, 9 times European longboard champion Ben Skinner and Ben Freeston, founder of leading global surf forecast site Magicseaweed.com, which has a reach of 1.5 million unique users.
protectourwaves.org.uk
