Save The Waves Coalition
Save The Waves Coalition is a Santa Cruz, California-based international nonprofit that protects surf ecosystems worldwide through World Surfing Reserves, Surf Protected Area Networks, Surfonomics economic research, a citizen science mobile app, a global Film Festival, and a parametric Surf Ecosystem Insurance product launched in 2026.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSanta Cruz, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Save The Waves Coalition does
Save The Waves Coalition is a Santa Cruz, California-based international nonprofit (501(c)(3)) founded in 2001 by Will Henry and officially launched in 2003, operating as the only organization solely dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems worldwide. It delivers a portfolio of integrated conservation programs: the World Surfing Reserves (WSR) designation program (14 reserves across 10 countries managed by Local Stewardship Councils); Surf Protected Area Networks (SPAN) — a legal conservation framework implemented in Costa Rica, the Azores, Mexico, and Chile to protect surf ecosystems overlapping with biodiversity hotspots; the Save The Waves mobile app (iOS/Android) for real-time crowdsourced coastal threat reporting via geotagged photos; Surfonomics, an economic valuation methodology that quantifies the financial contribution of surf ecosystems to local economies (e.g., $194.7M annual value documented for Santa Cruz); Surf Break Vulnerability Assessments combining climate risk analysis; the annual Save The Waves Film Festival touring 50+ locations across 12 countries; and the newly launched (February 2026) Surf Ecosystem Insurance, a parametric insurance product co-developed with WTW (Willis Towers Watson) and ORRAA to provide rapid funding to surf-dependent communities when predefined climate-weather thresholds are crossed.
The organization is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations, recurring Coalition Memberships ($60/month or $120/year), corporate and foundation grants (Patagonia as founding partner, Conservation International, Packard Foundation, Rivian Foundation, Schmidt Marine, Flotilla Foundation, Marisla Foundation, Conservation Alliance, SIMA Environmental Fund), merchandise sales via the Save The Waves Shop, and Film Festival proceeds. Its distribution combines digital channels (website, app, email, social), an international Film Festival tour with a community-organized "Film Fest In A Box" toolkit, an Ambassador program of professional surfers and creators, and a coalition of regional coordinators and on-the-ground partners (Fundación Rompientes in Chile, SPDA in Peru, ADETCO in El Salvador, Surfrider Foundation, etc.).
The company is led by CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich with a lean executive team (Director of Conservation Programs Diego Sancho Gallegos, Director of Operations John Suhar, Director of Communications Lauren Parrino, Finance Manager Susan Coffey, Philanthropy Manager Rachael Roehl) plus regional coordinators in Costa Rica, the Azores, and El Salvador, and a Climate Resilience Fellow (Adrian Reifsnyder). Governance is provided by a Board co-chaired by Hugo Tagholm (Oceana UK, ex-Surfers Against Sewage) with vice chair Annie Vranizan (Strava), treasurer Rahim Walker, and members including Will Coleman (OnRamp Capital, ReGen Ventures), Gregory Jones (Google, McKinsey), Patrick Gonzales-Rogers (Yale), Richard Margoluis (Moore Foundation), Jon Roseman (Tavarua/Namotu Fiji), and Ian Stewart (Yulex, ex-Deckers/Nike). Save The Waves targets a stated goal of protecting 1,000 surf ecosystems by 2030 across 10 priority regions.
Save The Waves Coalition firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Save The Waves Coalition
- Legal name
- Save The Waves Coalition
- Website
- https://savethewaves.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Save The Waves Coalition is a Santa Cruz, California-based international nonprofit that protects surf ecosystems worldwide through World Surfing Reserves, Surf Protected Area Networks, Surfonomics economic research, a citizen science mobile app, a global Film Festival, and a parametric Surf Ecosystem Insurance product launched in 2026.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Save The Waves Coalition industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Conservation Nonprofit
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF), Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programs (BPADALAD), Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)
Keywords
Where Save The Waves Coalition is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Cruz
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Save The Waves Coalition business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters. Donors can make single contributions or sign up for monthly/annual membership programs.
- Coalition Membership: Monthly or annual recurring membership with benefits including annual Coalition stickers and supporter recognition.
- Film Festival Proceeds: Tickets and proceeds from the Save The Waves Film Festival benefit surf ecosystem conservation projects worldwide.
- Corporate/Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations and corporate partners including Patagonia, Rivian Foundation, Conservation International, and others for specific programs and conservation initiatives.
- E-commerce (Shop): Merchandise sales through the Save The Waves Shop (shop.savethewaves.org) including branded merchandise for supporters.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | One-time Donation |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Coalition Member |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Coalition Member |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels11 records
Save The Waves Coalition product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Save The Waves Coalition protects surf ecosystems worldwide through programs that designate World Surfing Reserves, establish Surf Protected Area Networks in biodiversity hotspots, document the economic value of surf breaks via Surfonomics research, enable real-time coastal threat reporting through a mobile citizen science app, run advocacy campaigns for endangered waves, and operate an annual international Film Festival for awareness and fundraising. The organization works with local communities, foundations, and corporate partners to deliver legal protections, climate resilience tools (including a parametric insurance product), and grassroots conservation action across 10+ priority regions.
Product overview
Save The Waves Coalition operates a platform of interconnected conservation programs. The core offerings include World Surfing Reserves (WSR) - the flagship protected area designation program for outstanding surf breaks; Surf Protected Area Networks (SPAN) - a legal conservation framework for surf ecosystems in biodiversity hotspots; and the Save The Waves App - a mobile citizen science tool for real-time coastal threat reporting. Supporting programs include Surfonomics (economic research quantifying wave value), the Save The Waves Film Festival (awareness and fundraising events), Campaigns (advocacy for endangered waves), and the Protect 1,000 Waves initiative (2030 conservation goal). The organization launched Surf Ecosystem Insurance in 2026 as a new parametric financial tool. The portfolio is unified by the mission to protect surf ecosystems through protection, stewardship, and defense strategies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- World Surfing Reserves (WSR): Save The Waves' flagship program that proactively identifies, designates and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments.
- Surf Protected Area Networks (SPAN)
- Surfonomics
- Surf Ecosystem Insurance
- Save The Waves Film Festival
- Save The Waves App
Products and services
- World Surfing Reserves (WSR)
Quantifiable outcome
- 14 World Surfing Reserves designated globally
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Save The Waves Coalition
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Save The Waves Coalition technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Save The Waves Coalition partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- WTW (Willis Towers Watson)corePartnership to design and develop the Surf Ecosystem Insurance parametric insurance product. WTW brings insurance industry expertise to create financial mechanisms protecting surf ecosystems from climate-fueled extreme weather events.
- IntegralcoreConsulting partner for Surf Ecosystem Insurance development and Surfonomics research. Integral conducted the Climate Vulnerability of California's Natural Surfing Capital study combining Surfonomics with climate change analysis.
- ADETCOminorLocal partner in El Salvador for Surf Ecosystem Insurance pilot project at Oriente Salvaje World Surfing Reserve.
- Oriente Salvaje CommunityflagshipPilot project location for Surf Ecosystem Insurance where more than 70% of local income is generated through surfing. Community selected based on economic importance of surf breaks, climate impact type, political feasibility, and government support.
- Conservation InternationalcoreGlobal NGO partnership for Surf Conservation Partnership (SCP). Combined forces for global impact in coastal conservation. SPANs projects in Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Brazil.
- SIMA (Surf Industry Members Association)coreIndustry association recognizing Save The Waves as Environmentalist of the Year in 2026. Provides grants through SIMA Environmental Fund supporting ocean protection efforts.
- Fundación RompientescoreChilean partner achieving historic conservation milestones including Piedra del Viento Marine Sanctuary protecting 10,000 acres of coastline.
- SPDA (Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental)corePeruvian environmental law organization collaborating on Best Practices for Surf Ecosystem Conservation guide and surf break protection.
- Conservamos Por NaturalezaminorRegional conservation partner in Latin America for surf ecosystem protection.
- PronaturaminorMexican conservation organization partner for coastal protection efforts.
- XPRIZEminorPartner supporting ocean initiative and citizen science through the Save The Waves App.
- UN Ocean DecadePartner for UN Decade of Ocean Science supporting citizen science initiatives.
- Finisterrecore2026 Film Festival supporter with multiple UK screening locations at Finisterre stores in Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Falmouth, Leeds, London, Poole, and Saint Agnes.
- O'NeillminorSurf industry partner supporting Film Festival tour.
- Surfer MagazineminorMedia partner for Film Festival tour.
- Fuel TVminorMedia partner supporting Film Festival.
- Surfrider FoundationcoreLong-standing ocean conservation partner collaborating on California State Surfing Reserves legislation (AB 1938) and shared advocacy efforts.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Save The Waves Coalition competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Surfrider Foundation: The closest direct peer, also a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism, with overlapping programs in coastal water quality, beach access, and plastic pollution.
- Surfers Against Sewage: UK-based marine conservation NGO founded by surfers focused on water quality, plastic pollution, and coastal protection. Co-chair Hugo Tagholm led this organization, making it a direct mission-aligned peer.
- WILDCOAST: International nonprofit that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife, with overlapping focus on protecting surf breaks and working with local communities in Latin America.
- Coastal Quest: Nonprofit focused on coastal conservation policy and surf ecosystem protection, with comparable programs around surf break protection and coastal resilience.
Broad incumbents
- Oceana: Largest international ocean conservation advocacy organization; Save The Waves Co-Chair Hugo Tagholm leads Oceana in the UK. Overlaps in marine policy advocacy but operates at much larger scale across broader ocean issues.
- Conservation International: Major global environmental NGO and Save The Waves strategic partner through the Surf Conservation Partnership in Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Brazil; much broader scope across biodiversity hotspots.
- Ocean Conservancy: Large US-based ocean conservation nonprofit focused on trash-free seas, sustainable fisheries, and climate-resilient coasts, with overlapping coastal and ocean advocacy missions.
Regional players
- Save Our Shores: California-based coastal stewardship nonprofit operating in the Monterey Bay region adjacent to Save The Waves' Santa Cruz base, with shared focus on beach and marine protection.
Emerging players
- Lonely Whale: Emerging ocean-focused nonprofit that runs high-profile campaigns against plastic pollution and convenes cross-sector partnerships, sharing the tech-enabled, celebrity-amplified advocacy approach.
- Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global alliance of organizations and individuals working to end plastic pollution, with thematic overlap on coastal and marine health advocacy and a similar coalition-driven model.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Save The Waves Coalition social profiles
Digital presenceSave The Waves Coalition financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Save The Waves Coalition leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles27 records
Save The Waves Coalition funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Save The Waves Coalition M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Save The Waves Coalition
What does Save The Waves Coalition do?
Save The Waves Coalition protects surf ecosystems worldwide through programs that designate World Surfing Reserves, establish Surf Protected Area Networks in biodiversity hotspots, document the economic value of surf breaks via Surfonomics research, enable real-time coastal threat reporting through a mobile citizen science app, run advocacy campaigns for endangered waves, and operate an annual international Film Festival for awareness and fundraising. The organization works with local communities, foundations, and corporate partners to deliver legal protections, climate resilience tools (including a parametric insurance product), and grassroots conservation action across 10+ priority regions.
Is Save The Waves Coalition a public or private company?
Save The Waves Coalition is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Save The Waves Coalition founded?
Save The Waves Coalition was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Save The Waves Coalition based?
Save The Waves Coalition is headquartered in Santa Cruz, United States, in the North America region.
How does Save The Waves Coalition make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are coalition Membership, film Festival Proceeds, corporate/Foundation Grants and E-commerce (Shop).
Who are Save The Waves Coalition's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Surfrider Foundation, Surfers Against Sewage, WILDCOAST and Coastal Quest. Broad incumbents are Oceana, Conservation International and Ocean Conservancy. Save Our Shores is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Lonely Whale and Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Does Save The Waves Coalition have an API?
No public API is recorded for Save The Waves Coalition.
What industry is Save The Waves Coalition in?
Save The Waves Coalition's product category is Marine Conservation Nonprofit. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of BPADALAI, Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8600.