Surfrider Sydney Northern Beaches

More than 75 people from around Australia and international destinations
such as California and New Zealand attended the 2007 Surfrider Foundation
Conference at the North Narrabeen Coastal Environment Centre on the weekend
of 19-21October. Starting out with a drinks function on Friday night
hosted by Surfrider Foundation International representative Lia Collabello,
the conference moved into full swing on Saturday morning with an indigenous
welcome by Claire Jackson followed by a local surfing welcome from North
Narra Boardriders president Brett Bannister.

With Northern Beaches branch president Brendan Donohue hosting the
proceedings, we heard an very entertaining account of the lot of the
surfer’s wife from his partner Wendy Harmer and then moved on to the
conference key note address from Doug Lord from the Department of
Environment and Climate Change. Professor Andy Short (University of
Sydney) outlined the importance of surfing reserves and was followed by Tom
Kirsop who gave an inspiring account of 15 years of activism on Sydney’s
Norther Beaches. Peter Whish Wilson and Thomas Moore provided a
compelling update on the Tasmania Pulp Mill campaign and the Tim Frazer
told the story of the fight against a breakwall at Bastion Point, near
Mallacoota.

After the lunch break Neil Lazarow presented some ground breaking research
as he detailed the socio-ecnomic impact of surfing and was followed by
Simeon Michaels who described his epic kayak paddle from Sydney to Hobart
and gave useful insights on how to run a campaign (evidently the secret is
to incorporate adventure, humour, intelligent arguments and hot chicks and
your campaign will be a winner!). Don Norris (Realsurf.com) then led an
innovative session on surf forecasting, accompanied by Ben McCartney
(Coastalwatch.com.au) and Ben Matson (Swellnet.com.au). In a presentation
that really resonated with the audience Jillian Cupitt and Syd Smith told
us how to engage the youth of Australia in climate change and
sustainability, then Toni Wilson briefed us on the activities of the
Coastal Environment Centre (our fantastic conference venue). Steve Titus
from Carneys Lawyers took us through a practical case study of dealing
with inappropriate development that he had experienced first hand in
defending the shack communities of the Royal National park, just south of
Sydney. Nick Carroll rounded out the day’s presentations with an
insightful presentation on the golden rules for dealing with the media.

The day closed with a surprise appearance by 7 times womens’ world
titleholder Layne Beachley who was on hand to present a Surfrider
Foundation Hall of Fame award to legendary Northern Beaches branch member,
Tom Kirsop.

At the ’secret’ conference party venue a catered BBQ and live
local band kent the crew going until the early hours of Sunday morning.

SUNDAY…

The Sunday morning paddle out to the ocean outfall at Warriewood Headland had around 70 starters, including Nick Carroll, Mayor of Pittwater, David James and local MP Rob Stokes, who arrived late after paddling down from Mona Vale.

Thanks to all who attended the conference, paddle out or AGM. Also, a big
vote of thanks to the organising committee for staging the most successful
conference for many years.

Click here for slideshow of more pictures from Saturday

Click here for slideshow of more pictures from Sunday’s paddle out