Surfrider would like to encourage everyone to come out and support extreme stand-up paddle boarder and world record holder Tom Jones on his quest to raise awareness and funds for the Plastic Free Ocean Campaign. Tom is on a voyage from Key West to New York City to raise awareness to what is probably the biggest threat to our oceans. This organization does everything, from:

• Raise public awareness about the great risks to human health, and threats to wildlife and the environment from improper and excessive use of plastics, and the breakdown of plastic in the world’s oceans.
• Educates consumers and businesses about safe and economically practical alternatives to plastics for products, packaging and everyday living.
• Funds research to develop methods to recover, process and reuse or safely dispose of the millions of tons of plastic waste that already pollutes the world’s oceans.

Tom will be at the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Towers on the Grove in North Myrtle Beach (2100 N. Ocean Blvd) on Saturday, July 10 at 3:30 as he surfs in to the beach to meet reporters and supporters. Everyone is encourage to stay for a fundraiser cocktail reception afterwards from 5-7.  There is an invitation and RSVP if you want to attend.  Call Angie Ranck at 407-626-6916 or email her at Angie.ranck@wyndhamvo.com.

For more information on Tom or the Plastic Free Ocean campaign, check out the following web sites:

http://www.plasticfreeocean.org/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plastic-Free-Ocean/110805885624301

Surfrider would like to thank the Jessica Wood and the volunteers with the Youth Group from First Presbyterian Church in Florence, SC for helping us clean the beaches!  Surfrider was contacted by Jessica and asked if they could do something with Surfrider while they came here for their over-nighter at the Ripleys Aquarium.  The group met with Surfrider at the 14th Ave. Pier and listened to how plastics can serverly dameage our ocean and kill sealife when they get into the water. They also learned how they can help reduce the chances of this happening and how to they can personally reduce their use of single-use plastics. From there, we all swept a one-mile long stretch section of the beach (from 9th Ave. North to 19th Ave. North), finding everything from plastic bottles, bottle caps, a six-pack ring-binder, toys, fireworks, straws, plastics utensils and more.

Surfrider greatly appreciates their help and looks forward to doing more with them in the future.

The new Flying Fish Restaurant in Barefoot Landing (beside Alabama Theater) has teamed up with the Grand Strand Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in an exciting new venture. Flying Fish is a new restaurant owned by the TBonz Group, who is leading the way in our area in environmentally-friendly business practices including using eco-friendly to-go containers and cups, recycling of cardboard and fryer oil for biodiesel, a no-styrofoam policy, and a policy of using sustainable fish allowing them to be an initiative member with South Carolina Aquarium.

Along with these green policies, FF also wanted to team up with our chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and proposed naming one of their entrees and one of their specialty drinks in honor of Surfrider for our work in helping to protect our oceans and beaches.  Flying Fish have offered to donate $1 for every one of these entrees and drinks sold, to our chapter of Surfrider.  They chose the “Low Country Steamer Feast” entree and the “Hang Ten” specialty drink.  The restaurant also proposed that we display information regarding the Surfrider Foundation and our mission in the lobby area of the restaurant.

Flying Fish had their soft opening weekend on April 17 and 18 and allowed Surfrider to set up an information table in the lobby.  All food was free to patrons, but they did ask them to donate $5 to our chapter on the way out the door.  Surfrider received over $1,000 from Flying Fish for the weekend event.

Surfrider is very excited about our future relationship with the Flying Fish and appreciative of their generosity.  We encourage everyone to visit them at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Volunteer Cindy Goode maintaining the Surfrider booth at Flying Fish

5th Annual Makai Luau

The 5th Annual Makai Luau, a Grand Strand tradition, will be held June 5th, 2010 at the Hot Fish Club located in beautiful Murrells Inlet, SC.

The ticket only benefit begins at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Hot Fish Club and will feature music from Da Howlies of Wilmington, NC, a fire and hula show from Chief Kamu, a traditional luau buffet, beverages from New South Brewing Company and Southern Wine & Spirits (Surfers Punch).

This year’s event will also feature an Ugliest Hawaiian Shirt contest, a Best Lei contest, and a longboard giveaway.

All proceeds from this event and others fund the projects of the Grand Strand Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. Founded in 1984, Surfrider’s most important coastal environmental work is carried out by 57 chapters located along the East, West, Gulf, Puerto Rican, and Hawaiian coasts. Surfrider now has over 30,000 members in the USA; in addition, International Surfrider chapters and affiliates have been established in the countries of Japan, Brazil, Australia, France and Spain.

The Grand Strand Chapter is comprised entirely of volunteers and serves the entire Grand Strand from Little River to Pawleys Island, encompassing both Horry and Georgetown counties. Our chapter works to keep our beaches and waves clean, educate the public, and protect beach access. For more information about the many projects and events in the area, please visit our website or join us on Facebook (Surfrider Grand Strand) to receive updates.

The members have dedicated the proceeds of this year’s luau to fund the Garden City Beach Shower Tower project, a joint effort with Horry County to provide showers for residents and visitors at public beach accesses in the Garden City Beach area.

Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple and are on sale at area surf shops, through a local Surfrider member, or by visiting our website www.surfridergrandstrand.org.

Sponsors of the Makai Luau: Hot Fish Club, New South Brewing Company, Southern Wine & Spirits, Full Circle Construction, Xtreme Surf Shop, Ripley’s Aquarium, South Carolina Electric and Gas, Island Inspired Surf Shop, Cruz Accessories, and the Caravelle Resort.

For more information contact: Bruxanne Hein bruxanne@yahoo.com 843-333-2034

Join us as we assist Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium in the implementation of a storm drain marking pilot program in Horry and Georgetown counties.We will be placing the custom designed, four-inch round markers made of hard plastic that they plan to glue near the storm drains with one of the two messages (similar to the one pictured): “No Dumping, Drains to River” or “No Dumping, Drains to Ocean.”

Meet under the Garden City Pier at 8 a.m. as we mark 35 area storm drains. Comfortable attire recommended, and the project should last about 2 hours.

Join us Monday, May 17th at 6 p.m. at the B-2 beach shelter of the Myrtle Beach State Park for our next general meeting discussing spring events, upcoming projects and updates, Makai Luau, surf clinics, offshore drilling, and anything you want to bring to the table! More details soon – thanks for your participation and support!

Surfrider Foundation Platinum Visa

When you apply for and receive the new Surfrider Foundation Platinum Visa Card, our issuing bank (UMB) will donate $50 to Surfrider Foundation the very first time you use it. And UMB will donate a percentage of all your future purchases on the card to Surfrider Foundation as well! All of this is done at no cost to you and no cost to Surfrider Foundation.

Featuring five different images from world-famous surf photographer Aaron Chang (www.aaronchanggallery.com) this card provides you all the benefits of a Platinum® Visa Rewards Card while putting the coolest card around in your wallet or purse. In addition, you’ll be showing your support of Surfrider Foundation’s mission each and every time you use your card.

The more of us who participate, the bigger the impact we can make. The more Surfrider Foundation credit cards that are issued and used, the more funds will to go toward protecting our oceans, waves and beaches!

All the benefits of a Platinum® Visa card will be yours, along with the satisfaction of showing your support of our mission every time you use your card.

To apply for the card please visit: http://surfrider.org/support4h.asp

Surfrider Mastercard Debit

It’s really simple! There’s no need to change banks – instead you assign the card to your existing checking account. Your old bank-issued debit card will still work and can be used at your ATM. Like your current card, when you make a purchase, the amount of your transaction is deducted from your checking account and recorded on your bank statement. However, with the Surfrider Debit MasterCard, every time you use your card to make a purchase you’ll be supporting Surfrider Foundation.

Featuring a stunning image from Billabong XXL award winning photographer Jason Murray (www.photomurray.com) this card provides you all the benefits of your usual debit card while putting the coolest card around in your wallet or purse. Plus, the Surfrider Debit MasterCard® is 99.9% PVC-free. It’s the first and only payment card in the U.S. made of PETG, an alternative to PVC that is less harmful to the environment.

For more information or to apply please visit: http://surfrider.org/support4i.asp

Surfrider Foundation is opposed to any new offshore oil drilling.

Our nation’s oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling.

We strongly support reinstatement of the federal moratorium on new offshore oil drilling.

Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet America’s oil needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation.

For more information and to find out how you can help oppose offshore drilling please visit: http://oilonthebeach.blogspot.com/

Surfrider Foundation Grand Strand Chapter

Monday, February 1, 2010

Location:  Sharky’s at 6th Ave. N. and Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC

Members Present:

• Introductions; intro to 2010
• Elections and nominations
  • Elections could not be held as planned; no nominations
  • Vice-chair and volunteer coordinator positions (description of position)
  • Nominations for vice-chair:  Brad Odom, Shannon Sommers
  • Steven Pierce nominated for volunteer coordinator
• Projects
  • Magnet Project
    • Refresh basics on project, as led by Zach and Bruxanne
    • Bruxanne:  Surfside Beach sending out $1200 check, Guy Daniels contrib $500
    • Scholars Academy Biology Club will distribute
    • Potential of start in March?  Distribution, promotion
  • Green Boating Program
    • CCU involved (2 students) and Surfrider
    • Sign placing at county’s boat landings
    • Work w/ local agencies (DHEC) to inject local education
    • Jenny, Meg interested in committee for signs
  • Surfrider Water Bottles
    • National “Rise Above Plastics” campaign (against single-use plastics)
    • SFGS bringing campaign locally with Surfrider metal water bottles (incl. logo)
    • Popular at Myrtle Beach Primary School, Scholars Academy
    • CCU interested on ordering through Surfrider
      • Issue raised:  advertise through website; e-shopping on site?  Can be done; discussion raised on inventory, taxed items, shipping
      • Dealing w/ schools:  selling bulk in advance to schools at profit (currently sold at cost to SF), schools sell
  • Worries
    • KFC & Withers Swash:  request/demand city req. for locks on dumpsters?
    • Potential MB boardwalk trash problem
    • Springmaid Resort wants to implement recycling project, looking for advice
  • Garden City “Shower Tower”
    • Brad spoke to Grand Strand Water & Sewer; needs engineering, site plans
    • Adam reviews concept, partnership with Village Surf; worries about fees (Surfrider currently donating tower, Village donating initial water cost; who left with ongoing water cost Surfrider can’t commit)
    • Cost: 1850 for 2-head tower plan, time needed for construction
    • Maintenance:  damage?  shut down for winter?
• Events/2010 Calendar
  • FAME Festival:  T-Bone Terry and Global Awareness Project, food/art/music/entertainment “street festival” in former-Pavilion-area MB on Apr 24/25, 2010 for Withers Swash Benefit, will give money to Surfrider, wants involvement (booth)
    • Weekend after Earth Day; limited ability for involvement from Surfrider
    • Surfrider 20% beneficiary
  • April 17:  annual Earth Day Music Festival at Market common; Surfrider & Wellness Council, Compassion Music
    • Volunteers requested for setup, day of, breakdown, booths
    • Lori Avant, Matt Wright volunteer for 1st shift
    • Will have artists, vendors, beer garden, kids zone
  • Two Surf Clinics
    • Saturday June 19 (International Surfing Day) at 65th in Myrtle Beach
    • August 14/15:  Guy Daniels Surf-Off (Surfrider w/ booth, Surf Clinic)
    • Cindy Goode will handle booth at both events
  • Chili Cook-Off:  Sun. Oct. 17 at Spud’s
    • Future committee, volunteers need
  • Beach sweeps
    • Morning of June 19 (Int’l Surf Day)
    • Saturday, September 18 (Nat’l Beech and River Sweep)
  • Makai Luau in Limbo
    • Committee to meet in future
• Open discussion, additions, etc.
  • Withers Swash:  city, businesses (nearby) need to get involved, need to put locks on trash bins (Leslie:  Surfrider could give locks)
  • Springmaid Resort:  going green in future; wants Surfrider advice
  • 29th Ave. S. to 15th Ave. S. in Myrtle Beach:  Surfrider’s Adopt-A-Beach, needs volunteers
  • New volunteering policy
    • Suggesters of projects, etc., must help come up with volunteers, management to balance, complete Surfrider support behind stuff

Surfrider Grand Strand General Meeting

Monday, November 9, 2009
Myrtle Beach State Park, Shelter 1

Members in attendance:

• Adam Janis
• Julie Janis
• Kele & Bleu
• Bruxanne Hein
• Zachary Waldowski
• Drew
• Steve Pierce
• Robbie Riley
• Aubin Hooker
• Brad Odum
• Andy Morton
• Jason Noll
• Philip Bruley
• Beth Hackett
• 4 others (sorry we missed getting your names!)

1. Guest speakers- Horry County Storm Water Management & Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies at CCU: Thom Roth & Karen Fuss
   1. They spoke about the problems and concerns of how storm water issues affect the watersheds in Horry County & the surrounding region.
   2. They gave us tips on what people can do at home to help deal with storm water issues.
   3. Karen proposed how the SF chapter to help with a storm water stenciling project. She has 500 plastic emblems to put on storm water curbs and drains throughout the county and municipalities. She stated if we wanted to put a group together, Horry County would give us the materials needed to help complete the community project.
   4. Thom asked for a group of volunteers to help with installing beach fencing, and another group to help maintain the pet waste bags on county beaches.
   5. Bruxanne thanked the volunteers who helped at the Chili cook-off and discussed what we raised, and plans are in process for next year’s event.
2. Adam mentioned the progress of the SF license plate project.
   1. SCDMV claims that the SF specialty plate is the number one plated issued in SC right now.
   2. We receive monthly checks that are split with the SF Charleston chapter. Some of the funds generated by this project are donated towards two $500 scholarships at Coastal Carolina University.
3. Bruxanne explained to the group assembled the elections that will need to take place in February at the general meeting for all positions, as well as the need to have new members involved in the executive committee.
   1. All elected positions are open in the new year, and those who are now in the office must step down for at least a year before returning to the same position.
   2. Asked for nominations to be sent to the executive members by January.
4. Bruxanne spoke about the 2010 Makai Luau. She mentioned that the chapter’s executive board is considering postponing the luau for a year since this year’s event had a low turnout.
   1. The members were asked their thoughts and a majority of them would like to see us try and make it happen again this year on the south end.
   2. As of now, it is proposed to be held at The Hot Fish Club on May 15^th, 2010.
   3. Brad, Andy, Stephen, Phil, Beth, Aubin indicated they would volunteer to work on the committee for the luau in 2010
5. A list of all the projects that are in the works or being proposed were mentioned and asked for interested volunteers that might want help.
   1. Green Boating-CCU students helping with this.
      1. Need to get funds together for signs to complete the project.
      2. Need to contact Staci Williams, who is considering a similar project, about collaboration.
   2. Surfside Beach magnet project-Bruxanne is helping with this project; Scholars Academy is heading the project, in collaboration with the Guy Daniels Foundation.
      1. An application has been submitted to the Surfside Accommodations tax committee. The SF chapter and Guy Daniels Foundation have requested $1500 from Surfside Beach towards the purchase of the magnet.
      2. Art work is not yet complete. The students will complete this week and present at next week’s A-tax committee meeting.
   3. Shower Tower for Garden City
      1. Some of the ground work and research is complete.
      2. Adam, Drew, & Brad have been working with Curt on completing the permissions for the project.
      3. Thom Roth has replaced Jackie Taylor as our contact who had originally approved the project.
      4. This shower would be located at the GC beach access south of the pier.
      5. We have a list of products that range from $1800-$3000, with a budget of $3,000 for purchase and installation.
   4. Anti-litter campaign for summer 2010.
      1. Similar to last summer’s campaign, though trying to reach more outlets.
      2. SF promoted anti-litter ads & slogans during the summer through different media outlets raising awareness to the community about keeping the beaches clean.
   5. Julie proposed earlier this month a water bottle project that would be associated with SF slogan “Rise Above Plastics.”
      1. The project proposes stainless steel water bottles with our SF logo and the “Rise Above Plastics” slogan. This project would create advocacy for the cause of not using plastic water bottles.
      2. Bruxanne showed some sample water bottles she received earlier this week.  Budget for this project is still being discussed.
      3. Scholars Academy would like 40 to use as a fundraiser; CCU STARS may also use as a fundraiser on campus
6. SF has been invited to participate in the Christmas parades for Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet; Robbie, Stephen indicated an interest in participating in the parades this year (Dec. 5^th and 12^th).
7. The Independents are playing at Madison’s in Garden City on New Year’s Eve and have asked us to set up a booth and give out info, sell shirts, take donations, etc. Curt and Bruxanne were planning to attend and can set up a table unless someone else would prefer to do so.
8. Who Cares Christmas Party-Dec 11^th
   1. Location: Ebb & Flow 6 p.m.-new venue this year to see if we can get a better turnout then last year.
   2. Need volunteers to bring covered dishes.
   3. Southern Wine donated wines; Beer donated by New South.
9. Bruxanne made a motion to review the 2010 budget & calendar.
10. Both the budget & calendar were presented to the members attending the meeting.
    1. 12 members in attendance voted for the budget, 4 abstained/no.
    2. The budget will be reviewed by the executive committee through the year for adjustments.
11. Adjourned meeting and ate food & oysters catered by T-Bone Terry’s BBQ at 7:50 p.m.

• Administration
  • $1500 for printing, materials, general supplies, trailer maintenance
• Meetings
  • $1000 to purchase food and beverage for general and executive meetings throughout the year including the year-end Christmas party
• Scholarship
  • $1000 to Coastal Carolina for the year ($500 per semester)
• Luau
  • $4000 for food, beverages, entertainment (with an anticipated income of approximately $6000, or profit of $2000)
• Chilympics
  • $4000 for prizes, rentals, materials, printing, etc. (with an anticipated income of approximately $18,000, or profit of $14,000)
• Surf Clinics
  • $250 per clinic for food and beverage, materials, and so on
• Boat Landing Signage
  • $3000 for purchasing signs, printing brochures, ad campaign (will also apply for grant funds to augment and/or offset these costs)
• Surfrider Gear and giveaways
  • $3000 to purchase t-shirts, mugs, can coolers, and other promotional items to sell at events (approximate profit of $3000) and to give to new members, incentives for joining, prizes for events
• Surfside Beach Magnet Project
  • $1500 from Surfrider
  • Total Project Cost: $3800
  • Presenting A-tax application for $1500, Guy Daniels Foundation will commit $800
• Shower Tower for Garden City Beach Surfing Area
  • $3000 for Shower Tower purchase and installation
• Anti-Litter Ad Campaign Summer 2010
  • $1500 for ads to run in weekly magazines, or a billboard for the summer
• New Projects
  • $2000 set aside for new projects

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS 2010: $12,500
TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS 2010: $2,500
TOTAL FUNDRAISING/INCENTIVE COSTS 2010: $11,000
TOTAL FUNDRAISING/DONATIONS/LICENSE PLATES INCOME ESTIMATED 2010: $24,000