Surfing groups from Europe, Latin America and the United States are expected to gather in Rosarito Beach on Monday (May 6th-8th) for a three-day conference aimed at conserving the world’s top surf spots.
Global Wave Conference III focuses on surf protection efforts across the globe, including Mexico, Peru, Portugal, France and Great Britain. The event will include discussions of the problems faced by various regions, but also presentations of environmental success stories.
“All the different groups have different strengths,” said Chad Nelsen, environmental director for the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation, which is organizing the event together with the Imperial Beach-based group, WiLDCOAST.
As surfing has gained popularity, “we’ve been trying to coordinate those groups to develop a really global network of surf protection.”
The keynote speaker will be Efrain Niebla, Baja California’s secretary of environmental protection.
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) will honor industry leader Fernando Aguerre as Waterman of the Year, Grammy-nominated musicians and surfers Brandon Boyd and Incubus as Environmentalists of the Year, and former world champ and surf industry legend Peter “PT” Townend with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of the association’s annual Waterman’s Weekend environmental fundraiser. Jon Rose, founder of Waves for Water, will also receive a Special Achievement Award for his ongoing environmental and disaster relief work, specifically with Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts this past year.
“Waterman’s Weekend is not only a time to raise awareness and funds for environmental causes, but it is also a time to recognize those who have committed themselves to the progression of the sport of surfing,” said Paul Naude, chairman of the Waterman’s Weekend Event Committee and president of the SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors. “I am blown away by the accomplishments, sacrifices, and passion of each of our honorees. Fernando, Brandon and Incubus, PT, and Jon all truly inspire our industry.”
The 24th Annual Waterman’s Weekend will be held August 9-10, 2013, at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif. The weekend begins Friday, August 9, at the Monarch Beach Golf Links with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament, and culminates on Saturday, August 10, with the Waterman’s Ball and Auction.
read more at SIMA
With the full support of Panama’s President, Ricardo Martinelli, and the Ministry of Tourism headed by Salo Shamah, Panama last hosted the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Venao in 2012, ISA World Surfing Games in Playa Venao in 2011, and the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Santa Catalina in 2010. The government is fully supporting the 2013 World Championship as well.
“I am very excited of our return to Panama to witness the world’s top surfers compete in the perfect reef break wave at Santa Catalina,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Thanks to the support of Panama’s Ministry of Tourism, surf brand Reef, the Province of Veraguas and town of Soná, this will be an incredible event. The challenging waves of the world famous Santa Catalina reef point break will be a great venue for this event”.
Twenty-five Nations are expected to send delegations, who will gather at the world-class reef break in Santa Catalina, Panama, to compete for the Fernando Aguerre World Team Champion Trophy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy and individual Gold Medals.
This will be the inaugural year that the Trophy named and donated by the long-time ISA President will be awarded. Aguerre was first elected in 1994 and has been elected 7 times since.
read more at isa
