The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

EP 215: Dr. Chad Nelsen - Celebrating Surfrider’s 40th anniversary, Life as CEO, Protecting our oceans and tackling coastal erosion, Partnering with WSL and WSL PURE, Living an ‘examined life,’ and the Power of surf activism


Listen Later

Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, joins us on The Lineup to discuss his role in protecting the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. From Surfrider’s hometown of Laguna Beach, Dr. Nelsen shares insights on the foundation’s 40th anniversary, their network of 200+ chapters, and the complex evolution of environmental activism. We dive into real-world challenges—mangrove deforestation in Puerto Rico and coastal erosion on Hawaii’s North Shore—and discuss how the Surfrider Foundation combines legal and scientific strategies to tackle these issues. Dr. Nelsen also opens up about his journey, from growing up in a surfing family on Long Island to his lifelong commitment to ocean conservation. He reflects on the impact of climate change on coastlines and the need for public action, urging listeners to get involved in the fight for sustainable practices. We explore how surfing, though a niche sport, can drive environmental awareness and political influence. A key example is the Save Trestles campaign, which successfully halted plans for a six-lane toll road that would have cut through San Onofre State Beach, the Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy, sacred Native American sites, and threatened the San Mateo Creek Watershed. With partnerships with local communities, WSL and WSL PURE, as well as ambassadors like Carissa Moore, Dr. Cliff Kapono, and Greg Long, the Surfrider Foundation strives to inspire both surfers and non-surfers alike to make a difference. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Chad Nelsen and how joining a local Surfrider chapter can empower communities and spark positive change.


Learn more about Surfrider here and follow them here.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing PodcastBy World Surf League

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

336 ratings


More shows like The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

View all
Surf Splendor by David Lee Scales

Surf Splendor

608 Listeners

Surf Mastery - Surfing Tips and Wisdom for Lifelong Surfers by Michael Frampton

Surf Mastery - Surfing Tips and Wisdom for Lifelong Surfers

249 Listeners

AIN'T THAT SWELL by Aintthatswell surf radio

AIN'T THAT SWELL

280 Listeners

Spit! - Surf Podcast by David Lee Scales and Scott Bass

Spit! - Surf Podcast

273 Listeners

Stab Podcasts by STAB

Stab Podcasts

177 Listeners

The Grit! with Chas Smith by David Lee Scales

The Grit! with Chas Smith

252 Listeners

The Boardroom Podcast by Scott Bass

The Boardroom Podcast

153 Listeners

Waterpeople Podcast by Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich - surf stories & ocean adventures

Waterpeople Podcast

352 Listeners

WSL PURE | One Ocean by WSL Studios

WSL PURE | One Ocean

89 Listeners

Surf Stories by Florida Surf Film Festival

Surf Stories

35 Listeners

Getting Heated with Mick Fanning and Ross Williams by WSL Studios

Getting Heated with Mick Fanning and Ross Williams

22 Listeners

Caught Inside - WSL Quarantine with Joe Turpel by WSL Studios

Caught Inside - WSL Quarantine with Joe Turpel

21 Listeners

Surfe, Papo e Flow by World Surf League

Surfe, Papo e Flow

4 Listeners

The Surfer’s Journal presents Soundings with Jamie Brisick by The Surfer’s Journal

The Surfer’s Journal presents Soundings with Jamie Brisick

243 Listeners

THE PIPELINE PODCASTS by A New Earth Project

THE PIPELINE PODCASTS

15 Listeners

THE JAMIE O & MASON HO SHOW by Jamie O'Brien

THE JAMIE O & MASON HO SHOW

80 Listeners

Basis Surf Podcast by Basis Surf

Basis Surf Podcast

28 Listeners

PINCH MY SALT by Pinch My Salt

PINCH MY SALT

97 Listeners

Cold Beer Surf Club by 805 Beer, World Surf League

Cold Beer Surf Club

25 Listeners