THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609260174
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 31 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CATHERINE KOZAK, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 105 lines
RIDING WAVES does not preclude one from making waves.
The Outer Banks Surfrider Foundation, taking its cue from the organization's national office in California, has been actively involved in preserving the beaches and waters of these fragile barrier islands for five years.
``Surfrider has become the last - and virtually the only - grassroots environmental organization left here,'' said Greg Bennett, a member of the local group's Board of Directors. ``These aren't screaming environmentalists.
As the group keeps its eye on the coast, it garners community backing with fun and educational events. Newest in its growing list of activities is Sunday's First Annual Sculpture in the Sand Contest, to be held behind Quagmires Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills at 3 p.m.
Also at Quagmires, on Oct. 12, Surfriders will hold The Waterman's Ball. ``The Waterman's Ball is a way to recognize companies and individuals that have been supportive,'' said Bennett, who owns Birthday Suits retail stores. ``All of us who live on the Outer Banks are watermen in some capacity. We all depend on the water. If it wasn't for clean beaches and clean sounds, people would stop coming here.''
Since its inception in 1991, the Outer Banks Surfriders have sponsored a forum on beach stabilization, organized a dune restoration project, helped Currituck County write its red-flag ordinance that allows surfers to ride waves even after the beaches have been closed, stopped a proposed stormwater outfall from dumping onto a beach and started a water quality monitoring program.
The 130-member chapter also sponsors the annual Respect the Beach poster contest, the Adopt-a-Beach program, the Respect the Beach Day Camp, a paddle board race and co-sponsors the Dare County Youth Fishing Rodeo.
The Surfriders also bought the litter bags used in last week's statewide Big Sweep, Bennett said.
``One reason is, we got tired of using the ones that said Mobil Oil on them,'' he said, chuckling.
A non-profit organization founded in 1984, the 25,000-member national Surfrider Foundation has proven to be effective guardians of the oceans and beaches they're dedicated to protect. And although surfers were instrumental in the organization's birth, the membership today includes a broad mix of ocean users and beach enthusiasts.
``Yes, surfers started this organization,'' said Brant Wise, the vice-chairman of the national Surfrider Foundation and a member of the local chapter. But, he added, its goals encompass the interests of many others. ``Nationally, 30 percent of our members are fishermen,'' Wise said.
Benign as the name sounds, the Surfriders have been a repeated thorn in the side of big businesses and government, winning court challenges against Chevron, the Environmental Protection Agency, Arco and the Navy - in addition to litigation against countless smaller companies and municipalities. The environmental organization also has worked to strengthen the federal Clean Water Act.
Wise said the local chapter was one of only 50 groups in the country awarded The Outstanding Contribution by the National Park Service as part of the Take Pride in America Campaign.
As one of about eight co-founders of the Outer Banks Surfriders, Larry Gray said the rapid development near North Carolina's coastal regions spurred the creation of the organization's local branch. Since its first meeting in October 1991, membership has grown from 20 to 130 local activists.
``There were feelers sent out from the national office in California. There was a kind of an early networking that went on,'' Gray said. ``It seemed like all these people emerged at once to help out.''
Gray, part owner with his brother and sister of Gray's Department Store in Kitty Hawk, said local businesses have been very supportive of Surfriders. His business donates at least $1,000 annually, he said.
``They're all eager to be identified with Surfriders,'' Gray said. ``It's a real good organization.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo by DREW WILSON
Growing in membership and influence, the grassroots Outer Banks
Surfrider Foundation garners community backing with fun and
educational events.
Graphic
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
Annual membership fees: $15 students and retired; $25 regular
members; $40 family.
Meetings: are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the
Kill Devil Hills Library at 7:30 p.m.
For information: Call 480-WATR for more information.
ACTIVITIES
SCULPTURE IN THE SAND CONTEST
When: Sept. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: On the beach behind Quagmires restaurant, milepost 8 on
the Beach Road, Kill Devil Hills.
What: Teams of up to six people, sponsored by local businesses,
compete to create the best sculptures. Winners will be awarded a
trophy to keep until next year's contest. The $100 entrance fee per
team will be used to benefit Surfrider Foundation.
For more information: Call Dave Bowling at 473-1993.
THE WATERMAN'S BALL
When: Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Quagmires Restaurant, milepost 8 on the Beach Road, Kill
Devil Hills.
Cost: $25 per person. Includes dinner (prime rib, enchilada combo
or veggie platter), entertainment by Fillerup band, awards ceremony
and a limited edition commemorative t-shirt.
For more information: Call Greg Bennett at 261-7297. by CNB