Guardians of Water: Protecting Our Inland Waterways and Oceans

For surfers and stand up paddlers, the ocean - and the rivers, lakes and waterways that feed it - are more than just places we visit. They are our playgrounds, our classrooms, our training grounds and, for many of us, our sanctuary. Every wave we ride and every paddle stroke we take deepens our connection to water and to the natural world.

But with that connection comes responsibility.

The health of our oceans, coastlines and inland waterways is under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change and human impact. As the people who spend the most time in and on the water, surfers and paddlers are uniquely placed to help protect it. This isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about everyday choices, shared responsibility and supporting the organisations working tirelessly to safeguard the places we love.

Our Ocean, Our Playground — Our Responsibility

When you’re floating in the lineup or gliding across glassy water on a SUP, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of gratitude. These environments give us joy, challenge, freedom and community. Protecting them isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s personal.

Being a guardian of water starts with awareness and grows through action.

Everyday Actions That Make a Real Difference

1. Leave No Trace

The principle is simple:
Take everything you brought with you, and leave the place better than you found it.

That means:

• Picking up your own rubbish — and any you see around you

• Avoiding trampling dunes and fragile vegetation

• Using designated paths to access beaches and waterways

• Respecting wildlife and natural habitats

• Rinsing equipment away from rivers, lakes and the ocean

When thousands of surfers and paddlers adopt these habits, the impact is powerful.

2. Reduce Plastic Use

Plastic pollution remains one of the biggest threats to marine life and inland waterways. Small changes in daily habits can significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment.

You can help by:

• Using reusable water bottles and containers

• Avoiding single-use plastics wherever possible

• Choosing surf wax, sunscreen and accessories with eco-friendly packaging

• Supporting brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical production

3. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. As water users, what we put on our skin ends up in the water.

Look for sunscreens that are:

• Mineral-based

• Made with non-nano zinc oxide

• Labelled reef-safe or ocean-friendly

These options protect both your skin and the environments you paddle and surf in.

4. Travel Lightly

Surf and SUP trips are a huge part of the lifestyle — but they can also leave a footprint. Being mindful of how you travel can make a difference.

Consider:

• Carpooling with friends

• Riding a bike or walking to your local break

• Supporting eco-certified surf schools, camps and tour operators

• Respecting local environments and communities when travelling

5. Join Local Clean-Ups

Beach, river and lake clean-ups are among the most effective ways to protect waterways. They’re also a great way to connect with like-minded ocean lovers and give back to the places that give us so much.

6. Educate Yourself — and Others

The more we understand about ocean and waterway health, the better equipped we are to protect it. Share what you learn with friends, groms, students and your wider surf and SUP community. Awareness is contagious.

Environmental Organisations Protecting Our Waters

Across the globe, environmental organisations are working at local, national and international levels to defend oceans, coastlines and inland waterways. While their focus and scale may differ, their mission is the same: protecting water and the communities connected to it.

Ocean-Focused Organisations

Groups like the Surfrider Foundation protect waves, beaches and water quality through science, activism and grassroots community programs across the United States, Australia, Europe, Japan and beyond. In the UK and Europe, Surfers Against Sewage campaigns for cleaner water, tackling sewage pollution, plastic waste and climate issues while mobilising large-scale community clean-ups.

SurfAid International takes a broader humanitarian approach, working with remote surf-adjacent communities in places like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to improve access to clean water, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Programs such as Waves of Change use surfing as a tool for environmental education, youth development and community empowerment across multiple continents.

In Australia, the Clean Ocean Foundation combines scientific research with policy advocacy, campaigning for improved wastewater treatment and healthier marine ecosystems nationwide.

Protecting Inland Waterways: Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands

While oceans often take centre stage, inland waterways are just as vital. Rivers, lakes, wetlands and catchments support ecosystems and communities - and play a crucial role in ocean health.

In Australia, groups such as the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) work to protect rivers and wetlands, advocate for sustainable water management and support community-led waterway initiatives.

Globally, organisations including International Rivers, the WWF Freshwater Program, The Nature Conservancy, Wetlands International and the Waterkeeper Alliance focus on freshwater conservation, river restoration, pollution reduction and community-based monitoring across dozens of countries.

Citizen science initiatives like Freshwater Watch, run by Earthwatch, empower everyday water users to contribute to global freshwater research, while local groups — from Landcare Australia to regional river trusts worldwide — work hands-on to restore waterways and protect them for future generations.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t need to be a scientist or full-time activist to make a difference. Becoming a member, volunteering at clean-ups, donating when possible, supporting campaigns, or participating in citizen science programs all contribute to meaningful change. Even sharing information through your surf club, SUP school or social channels helps build momentum.

Every action counts — especially when it comes from those who love the water most.

Protect What You Love

The ocean and our inland waterways give us so much - joy, connection, challenge and a sense of freedom. Protecting them is not just an environmental responsibility; it’s a way of honouring the places that shape who we are.

Whether you’re dropping into waves at your local break or paddling across a quiet river or lake, remember this:

We are all guardians of water. And the future of these places depends on what we do today.

About ASI  

ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.