Saving Californias Surf Breaks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Saving Californias Surf Breaks - Research Paper Example   With the advent of surfing environmentalism also came the task of educating both the surfing and non-surfing public of how waves are created, how rock formations in the sea and its other natural resources aid wave formation and how human interference, such as coastal developments and road constructions, affects the process. Educating the public about surfing basics is not complete without talking about surf breaks, which are crucial in creating wave breaks that surfers ride (Butt, 2009). â€Å"A surf break is defined as a permanent obstruction, such as a reef, headland, bombora [and] rock or sandbar, which causes waves to break† (Silmalis, 2007). Although what constitutes the actual wave that surfers ride involves a more complex combination of weather, wind direction, tides, and ocean current, an integral part of this fusion are surf breaks (Diel and Menges, 2008, p. 84). The texture and shape of the sea floor determine the height of the wave (p. 87). Hence, beaches rich in coral reefs—which are considered to be the best surf breaks—and blessed with great bombora and other rock and sand formations are considered to be prime surf spots (Almond, 2009, p. 93). California is home to some of the world’s best surf spots, and preserving the state’s surf breaks is a huge task that involves more than the occasional â€Å"Save the Beach† rallies. For instance, in 2008, about 3,000 surfers and environmentalists expressed their opposition to an $875 million toll road project that would â€Å"block sediment that creates world-class waves at San Onofre State Beach† by showing up for the marathon commission hearing (Flaccus, 2008). The Save the Waves Coalition is a prime example of a non-profit surfing environmentalist organization that teams up with local, national and international agencies to â€Å"preserve and protect surfing locations around the planet and to educate the public about their value† (Kampion, 2009, p. 117).