Roots of the Organization
Surfrider Foundation was founded in 1984 by a group of surfers who were concerned with health risks associated with the coastal development of one of their favorite surf breaks in Malibu, CA. Their passion for the coastal environment led them to take action, and thus Surfrider was born. Today, Surfrider has grown into a vast grassroots network of 84 volunteer chapters across the US and seven other countries. The different chapters focus on various campaigns that are specific to their local community.
In 1993, the Cape Fear Chapter of Surfrider was born. Dean Lassiter, owner of Aussie Island Surf Shop, Chris Jackson, a Wilmington surfer and manager of Aussie Island Surf Shop were the chapter’s founders. The Cape Fear Chapter had truly grassroots beginnings with the membership base coming from the Surfrider surf competition participants. They focused in areas of water quality, opposition to offshore oil drilling, stormwater stenciling, beach access, and beach litter. 25 years later, the chapter carries on the spirit of its humble beginnings, and continues to grow in strength and numbers tackling important issues regarding our coast, and instilling a sense of stewardship within our coastal community.