Surf federations from all over the world submitted their nominations to Save The Waves Coalition to be considered for the World Surfing Reserves (WSR) program. José Ureña, president of the Costa Rican surf federation, has officially nominated Pavones as the country’s
World Surfing Reserves candidate wave.

The World Surfing Reserves Program aims to proactively designate and help preserve outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments around the world. The program will serve as a model for preserving wave breaks and their surrounding areas throughout the world by recognizing the positive environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits of waves.

Read more about the conference that took place before the ISA Billabong World Surfing Games.

From Pretoma.org - On August 24 in downtown San José hundreds of people came together to show their support for the conservation of the leatherback sea turtle and to stop the bill to downgrade Leatherback National Park to a national wildlife refuge, thus permitting beachfront development. Click to find out more and watch the video.

Here is a letter from the President of the Natural Resources Defense Council Urging the International Community to Defend Leatherback National Park.

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A 10-day sea turtle tagging research expedition to Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica successfully outfitted three green turtles and one hawksbill turtle with satellite transmitters in order to follow their movements, as part of a long-term research project to understand the importance of Cocos Island for highly pelagic species that migrate throughout the Pacific.

“The information we are collecting is necessary if we are to protect these amazing species as they migrate thousands of miles across the Pacific, where they encounter industrial fishing operations, which catch and kills thousands of turtles every year,” said Randall Arauz, President of the Costa Rican NGO, and co-leader of the trip.

Find out more about their visit to Isla de Coco.

T-shirts made from half recycled plastic and half recycled cotton! Comfortable and long lasting, these shirts promote a "pura vida" lifestyle and have an amazing Witchs Rock print on the back. Photo by local pro photographer Fabian Sanchez. Click to see a larger version.

Help support the surf community in Costa Rica! This shirt is only $16.99 (free delivery in the U.S.) and $1 goes to each: Surfrider Tamarindo, Dominical Lifeguards, and Pretoma.

WaveTribe makes quality surf accessories from recycled materials! Their leashes are made from recycled urethane cords, with key slot and easy release velcro.

We also have boardbags made from Hemp and Recycled plastic tarp. See more..

Project AWARE

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. With headquarters in the United States and offices in Australia, Japan, Switzerland and United Kingdom, Project AWARE combats challenges facing aquatic resources in 175 countries and territories with direct support from divers and water enthusiasts worldwide.

Project AWARE and dedicated volunteers are committed to conservation initiatives including:

• Underwater Cleanups and Marine Debris Prevention
• Coral Reef Conservation, Monitoring and Data Collection
• Shark Education, Reporting and Conservation
• Improved Management Policies and Marine Protection Efforts
• Environmental Training for Divers and Education Programs for Kids