At Oak Park High School, the Surfrider Foundation Club has been making waves, literally. Dedicated to protecting the ocean, this club brings together a community of students who are passionate about sustainability.
“Our main goal is to limit plastic waste from the source via sustainable practice education, while also inspiring others at OPHS to get involved by going to beach cleanups or other hands-on events,” club president Emily Kong said. “It’s hard to see how much our community is affected by plastic waste until you get out there and start looking for it. I hope that people will come to the cleanups first to just hang out with friends, and then understand their impact regarding plastic waste.”
The Surfrider Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization that spreads awareness through protecting marine life and advocating for ocean conservation. Since its founding in 1984 by a group of surfers who wanted to safeguard marine life, it has since grown into a global movement with over 200 chapters, all dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
“I got involved with the Surfrider Foundation’s beach cleanups in December of 2024, because I was looking into environmental change initiatives in the local area,” Kong said. “Upon finding the Foundation and attending a cleanup, I instantly fell in love with their mission and the community that came with beach cleanups.”
For many members, the Surfrider Foundation may not just be about cleaning beaches or raising awareness but instead building connections and friendships with people who have similar interests.
“My favorite part about being in this club is the people you get to meet and hang out with. When I first started attending cleanups, I went alone and I was sort of forced to make friends as I didn’t want to wander around a beach for 2 hours by myself,” Kong said. “I ended up meeting all kinds of different people and having such interesting conversations. I love that people from all walks of life can gather together and do good for our Earth.”
Kong hopes to expand the club’s impact and to reach more people in the future through local events encouraging environmental awareness.
“The first step is to get people involved with the club. Just coming to the club meetings every other week and learning one negative thing about plastic waste or one positive way to prevent it is enough to start getting the mind going,” Kong said.“The next step would be going to a beach or local cleanup to make a tangible impact. I also hope to make our club more interactive with year long challenges and a potential final art showcase. There are also so many other climate related clubs at our school I would love to collaborate with to amplify our message and impact.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Kong noted a beach cleanup in March that stood out as a highlight of her time with the club.
“My favorite event that I’ve attended was an Ormond Beach cleanup back in March of this year. I went with a big group of friends, we all carpooled together for the 40 minute drive, did the cleanup, and went to lunch together afterwards. This day just felt like a giant hangout between a bunch of friends, but it felt good to be working together towards a common goal.” Kong said.
For any students passionate about sustainability, community, and ocean conservation, the Surfrider Foundation Club meets every Thursday in E-01 and everyone is welcome to join.
“We will be doing cleanups with NHS and the Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter in the next two months, so come out and get your NHS credit, as well as see what our club is all about!” Kong said.
