Surfrider Hosts Santa Monica Paddle Out Against Offshore Oil Drilling

Surfrider Foundation LA and community partners will host a paddle out at Tower 20 in Santa Monica on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to noon to protest offshore oil drilling along California’s coast, marking International Surfing Day. The event, open to all skill levels and ages, aims to mobilize surfers and beachgoers to oppose federal proposals expanding oil leasing in state waters, a threat that has intensified in recent months. According to Surfrider Foundation officials, California’s coastline generates billions annually in tourism and supports millions of livelihoods, while also hosting some of the world’s most coveted surf breaks.

The paddle out follows a pattern of ocean activism that has gained traction globally, particularly in Australia, where similar events during the "Fight for the Bight" campaign helped pressure oil giant Equinor to abandon drilling plans in the Great Australian Bight. Drew McPherson, a spokesperson for Surfrider Australia, previously told reporters that paddle outs create a visual impact far greater than traditional protests, framing the act as a celebration of the ocean rather than a complaint. "It’s not about holding signs," McPherson said. "It’s about being in the water, where the fight is happening."

In California, Surfrider has organized multiple paddle outs in recent years, including one in Santa Barbara last month, as federal agencies reconsidered offshore drilling permits. The Surfrider Foundation’s LA chapter, which has led opposition to drilling since its founding in 1984, reiterated its stance this week, calling California’s coast "too special to drill." Environmental groups and local officials have warned that drilling could damage marine ecosystems, disrupt fishing industries, and degrade water quality, risks that surfers and beach communities have long sought to mitigate.

The event at Tower 20 will feature no formal requirements—participants are encouraged to bring surfboards but can also join without them. Families and children are specifically invited, reflecting Surfrider’s emphasis on intergenerational activism. Organizers have framed the gathering as both a protest and a celebration, aligning with the spirit of International Surfing Day, which promotes ocean conservation and surf culture worldwide. While the immediate focus is on California’s waters, the broader message echoes global campaigns against offshore extraction, where visual displays of unity in the water have proven effective in shifting public and corporate attitudes.

According to economic impact studies cited by Surfrider, California’s coastal economy contributes an estimated $120 billion annually to the state’s GDP, with tourism, recreation, and fisheries accounting for a significant share. The threat of drilling has prompted legal challenges and grassroots organizing, including partnerships with Indigenous groups and commercial fishermen who rely on pristine waters. A 2023 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted California’s coastline as one of the last major stretches of U.S. shoreline not yet opened to widespread offshore drilling, a status Surfrider officials say must be preserved.

The paddle out is not the first time surfers have taken direct action against drilling. In 2019, a coalition of environmental groups, including Surfrider, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s expansion of offshore leasing, arguing that the process violated environmental laws. While the legal battle is ongoing, the paddle outs serve as a visible reminder of the stakes. "This isn’t just about waves," said a Surfrider spokesperson. "It’s about the air we breathe, the water we swim in, and the future we’re fighting to protect."

For those attending the event, organizers recommend arriving early due to expected high turnout, with safety briefings provided on-site. The gathering will conclude with a group swim-out, symbolizing collective resistance to drilling. While the federal government has not yet finalized decisions on new leasing plans, Surfrider and allies are using the momentum of International Surfing Day to amplify their calls for protection. The event’s location at Tower 20, a historic surfing landmark in Santa Monica, underscores the cultural significance of the issue for the region.

Surfrider Foundation LA and community partners will host a paddle out at Tower 20 in Santa Monica on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to noon to protest offshore oil drilling along California’s coast, marking International Surfing Day. The event, open to all skill levels and ages, aims to mobilize surfers and beachgoers to oppose federal proposals expanding oil leasing in state waters, a threat that has intensified in recent months.

Why is this paddle out happening now?
The event coincides with International Surfing Day, a global observance that emphasizes ocean conservation. According to Surfrider Foundation officials, California’s coastline generates billions annually in tourism and supports millions of livelihoods, while also hosting some of the world’s most coveted surf breaks. Federal agencies have recently reconsidered offshore drilling permits, prompting Surfrider to organize the paddle out as a direct response. "The timing is critical," said a spokesperson for Surfrider LA. "We’re at a crossroads where public pressure can make a difference."

How has ocean activism evolved through paddle outs?
Paddle outs have become a powerful tool in environmental campaigns, particularly in Australia, where they played a key role in the "Fight for the Bight" movement. Drew McPherson, a spokesperson for Surfrider Australia, previously explained that these events create a visual impact far greater than traditional protests. "It’s not about holding signs," McPherson said. "It’s about being in the water, where the fight is happening." In California, Surfrider has organized similar events in recent years, including a paddle out in Santa Barbara last month, as federal agencies reconsidered offshore drilling permits.

What economic and environmental risks does offshore drilling pose?
According to economic impact studies cited by Surfrider, California’s coastal economy contributes an estimated $120 billion annually to the state’s GDP, with tourism, recreation, and fisheries accounting for a significant share. Environmental groups warn that drilling could damage marine ecosystems, disrupt fishing industries, and degrade water quality. A 2023 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted California’s coastline as one of the last major stretches of U.S. shoreline not yet opened to widespread offshore drilling. Surfrider officials argue that preserving this status is essential for both economic stability and ecological health.

What can participants expect at the event?
The paddle out at Tower 20 will feature no formal requirements—participants are encouraged to bring surfboards but can also join without them. Families and children are specifically invited, reflecting Surfrider’s emphasis on intergenerational activism. Organizers have framed the gathering as both a protest and a celebration, aligning with the spirit of International Surfing Day. The event will conclude with a group swim-out, symbolizing collective resistance to drilling. For those attending, organizers recommend arriving early due to expected high turnout, with safety briefings provided on-site.

What comes next for offshore drilling in California?
While the federal government has not yet finalized decisions on new leasing plans, Surfrider and allies are using the momentum of International Surfing Day to amplify their calls for protection. Legal challenges, grassroots organizing, and public pressure remain key strategies in the fight against drilling. A coalition of environmental groups, including Surfrider, filed a lawsuit in 2019 challenging the Trump administration’s expansion of offshore leasing, arguing that the process violated environmental laws. The outcome of this legal battle, along with public events like the Santa Monica paddle out, will play a critical role in shaping California’s offshore policies in the coming years.