At Surf Skate Science, we love getting outside, exploring the ocean, and learning about the world around us. But did you know that everything we do on land affects the water around us? Even something as simple as throwing away a plastic bottle or washing our car in the driveway can impact our beaches, waves, and marine life.
That’s why we’re taking action—and we want YOU to be part of the solution.
How Does Pollution Get into the Ocean? (A Lesson from Finding Nemo!)
Remember in Finding Nemo when the fish chant, "All drains lead to the ocean"? Well, it’s true! Every time it rains, water rushes down our streets and into storm drains. Unlike water from our sinks and showers, this stormwater doesn’t get filtered or cleaned—it goes straight into canals, rivers, and eventually the ocean.
That means anything on the ground—plastic, oil from cars, pesticides from lawns, even pet waste—can end up in the water where we swim, surf, and fish.
Some cities have started using art to remind people of this important connection! Have you ever seen a painted fish or wave next to a street drain? These murals are designed to catch people’s attention and help them remember that what goes down the drain affects marine life.
The Science Behind Tar Balls and Red Tide
You may have noticed sticky black tar balls on the beach this past week. These form when oil spills or leaks mix with sand, salt, and other debris. Some are naturally occurring, but many come from human-caused pollution. Over time, they break down into microplastics and toxic chemicals that can harm marine life.
Then there’s red tide which is blooming again on the West coast of Florida. Red Tide is a type of harmful algae bloom. It happens when certain microscopic algae (Karenia brevis) grow out of control, releasing toxins into the water and air. These toxins can kill fish, make shellfish unsafe to eat, and even cause respiratory issues in people. What makes it worse? Pollution from fertilizers and runoff can fuel these blooms, making them more intense and lasting longer.
What Does Water Quality Have to Do with Surfing?
If you’ve ever paddled out on a bad water day, you might have noticed the water smells weird, looks murky, or feels different. That’s not just your imagination—poor water quality can seriously impact surfing and the health of surfers.
Here’s how:
🌊 Bacteria & Illness – When stormwater carries waste, oil, and trash into the ocean, it increases bacteria levels. Surfers who accidentally swallow water or have cuts on their skin can get infections, stomach illnesses, or rashes.
🌊 Algae Blooms & Red Tide – Red tide can make it hard to breathe near the water. The toxins released by the algae can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and even breathing problems—not exactly ideal for a surf session!
🌊 Pollution & Wave Quality – Trash and debris in the water don’t just look bad—they can change the way waves break. A buildup of waste or erosion caused by pollution can alter sandbars, making waves smaller or less consistent.
🌊 Coral Reef Damage – Many of the world’s best surf breaks are protected by coral reefs. Runoff pollution weakens coral, making reefs more likely to die. Without reefs, some surf spots could disappear.
Art as Advocacy: How Students Are Making a Difference
At Surf Skate Science, we believe that science and creativity go hand in hand. That’s why a group of our students took on the challenge of turning over 2,500 plastic water bottles into a powerful art piece—a giant wave made entirely of single-use plastic. This interactive sculpture lets you stand inside the wave on a surfboard, take a photo, and share one action you will take to help the ocean.
We’re excited to be restoring the wave this year so that even more people can learn from it! Art like this isn’t just beautiful—it’s a way to make people stop, think, and take action.
What YOU Can Do (Even as a Kid!)
You might be thinking, “I’m just one person—how can I make a difference?” But change starts with small actions!
Here’s how you can help protect our waters:
✅ Use your voice – Share what you’ve learned with friends and family!
✅ Reduce plastic waste – Switch to reusable bottles and bags.
✅ Join a beach cleanup – Even picking up one piece of trash helps.
✅ Help spread awareness – Post a photo with our wave sculpture and commit to an action!
✅ Plant native plants – They filter runoff before it reaches the ocean.
A Hopeful Future
One of our favorite quotes comes from Dr. Jane Goodall, who gave us a grant to restore our wave sculpture:
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
The ocean needs people who care. And no matter how young you are, you can be part of the solution. Let’s work together to keep our waters clean, our marine life safe, and our beaches beautiful for generations to come.
We’ve got awesome down to a science—and together, we can make waves for a better future! 🌊✨
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