About Us
Since its inception in 2004, the Texas Coastal Bend Chapter has been working with local governments and other non-profit organizations to resolve public beach access issues and to maintain a clean and safe beach experience for all beach-goers.
Our History
The Texas Coastal Bend Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation was formed in January 2004. Since its inception, our chapter has been working with local governments and other non-profit organizations to resolve beach access issues and to maintain a clean and safe beach experience for all beach-goers.
We are very active in the community, committing resources (individuals and money) to support efforts such as storm drain stenciling, beach cleanups, water quality testing and education. Our members regularly participate in events such as Earth Day – Bay Dayand give presentations about the impact of pollution on the ocean and beaches.
One of the highlights each year is the Make Promises Surf Camp for the Disabled. Since the beginning, our chapter has not only helped organize the event and provide volunteers and surfboards for the event, but has helped fund the event as well. We also helped organize the Surf Camp for the Blind for a number of years.
In 2005-2006, our chapter was a key member of the Beach Access Coalition and was instrumental in the passage of a City Charter amendment that prohibits any restrictions on vehicular access unless approved by a majority of city voters. This amendment is crucial in guaranteeing the right of the public in decision making about beach access issues in the Coastal Bend.
Members of our chapter have served on various committees throughout the Coastal Bend, including the City of Corpus Christi's Watershore & Beach Advisory Committee, Beach Maintenance Committee and Mayor's Environmental Task Force, Nueces County's Parks Commission, Beach Management Committee and Ad Hoc Bob Hall Pier Committee, the Beach Access Coalition, the CARP (Cole and Ropes Parks) Bacteria TMDL Coordination Committee, the Coastal Alliance to Protect our Environment and the Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust Awards Committee.
100% Protection of Our Coastlines
Our model is to engage environmental experts to create solutions, unite local and national resources to protect the coast, and leverage our local chapter network’s knowledge with a national perspective.
Our ocean, waves and beaches are everything. Let’s save them.
Who We Are
Our model is to engage environmental experts to create solutions, unite local and national resources to protect the coast, and leverage our local knowledge with a national perspective.
Executive Committee
The Texas Coastal Bend Chapter Executive Committee (EC) is our volunteer-based Board of Directors. The EC is made up of core volunteers who are dedicated to the Surfrider mission. They give an incredible amount of hours and are the decision-making foundation for the chapter. Board terms are two years and are elected positions.
Cliff Schlabach
Co-Chair
Neil McQueen
Co-Chair
Ryan Turner
Vice Chair
Tommy Shilts
Blue Water Task Force Coordinator
Carole Salsberry
Treasurer
Joan Wolfe
Secretary
Christie Irps
Ocean Friendly Restaurant Coordinator
Our Core Values
The Surfrider Foundation believes that getting outside and engaging with the natural world, especially the ocean, waves and beaches, is inspiring, supports healthier lifestyles, improves productivity and ultimately creates a better culture.
1. Honor the mission.
Surfrider is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people, through a powerful activist network. At the center of every action we take is our mission, our grassroots structure and local perspectives. We aim for positive impact and measurable results on behalf of the communities that we serve.
2. The beach is fun and Surfrider should be, too.
Surfrider comprises people who love the ocean, work hard to protect it, and need to enjoy it as part of keeping advocacy gratifying and fun. We are optimistic about the future of our ocean and coasts because our volunteers make a positive difference every day.
3. We are open and inclusive.
Our ocean, waves and beaches belong to all of us, and we welcome all who are interested in joining our movement. Through our principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), we seek to engage and represent the communities that we work in, and tosupport, create, foster and champion diversity at all levels within our organization.
4. We cultivate leaders.
We believe that the most effective way to build a coastal protection movement is to provide leadership opportunities for our volunteers. By cultivating their voices and skills, we are preparing the next generation of coastal defenders to lead within their own communities.
5. We are problem solvers.
We are solution-oriented. Surfrider applies science, critical thinking and innovation to assess problems and develop practical long-term solutions that protect our coasts.
6. The Surfrider is yours to create.
The Surfrider culture is defined by the people who show up with a love of the ocean and care deeply for its well-being. Through science, community and respect, we are people who joyfully take on the challenges before us. Our culture is one of selflessness, sharing, and bringing people together to achieve Surfrider’s mission.