On February 22nd, 2025, the Monterey Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation hosted a beach cleanup at Sand City, CA, that not only brought together a passionate community but also broke records. As a Surfrider Impact Ambassador, photographer, and local paraglider, I was proud to stand alongside 56 volunteers, and my paragliding group, the “Dune Gooneys”, as we worked together to remove 626 pounds of garbage from our beloved coastline.
This beach holds personal significance. it’s our paragliding launch site and a place where community, nature, and recreation merge. Witnessing the collective effort to restore this area was nothing short of inspiring. As locals and wings of flight, we see ourselves as stewards of this beautiful stretch of ocean front and ecosystem striving to be in flow with nature, ourselves, and our community.
In a world gone mad with a “what can I possibly do?” question, this is one act anyone locally can take to help unify our community. Showing up as citizens to help preserve one of our most treasured assets in our life, our ocean and the land we live. This is a hands on experience anyone can take part in a process of activism and preservation. And when we meet each other with a common purpose we create unity in a world divided. In that, there is incredible power, purpose, and impact.
Why Sand City Matters
Sand City isn’t just a stretch of sand; it’s a local hub for outdoor recreation and a vital coastal ecosystem. Unfortunately, due to its location and use, it has become a hotspot for debris accumulation, often exacerbated by transient camps and trash in large part from the nearby shopping center. As paragliders, we see the garbage from a bird’s-eye view, making the impact all too clear. During the summer and the height of beach use, the piles of garbage can be incredibly disturbing. This beach cleanup marks a significant step in caring for a place many of us cherish both on the ground and in the air while giving every person who shows up a sense of accomplishment and the pride that comes with a hands on experience such as this.
Beach Cleanup Impact in Numbers
✅ 57 human volunteers (plus 8 dog volunteers)
✅ 578 pounds of trash removed
✅ 48 pounds of recycling collected
✅ Total haul: 626 pounds—breaking the previous record of 567.5 pounds set in 2022
One of the most remarkable aspects of the day was the range of volunteers and people of all ages, from different walks of life, united by a shared goal. The Surfrider crew worked tirelessly, not only coordinating logistics but ensuring everyone felt welcomed and appreciated. For me, it was a proud moment to see the partnership between Surfrider and our local paragliding community strengthen through direct action.
The pride on everyone’s faces was tangible, for me especially among our core Dune Gooneys, who showed up with 13 members and two children excited to be a part of the beach cleanup. The collective effort showcased how much can be accomplished when a community comes together.
The time I’ve spent with Surfrider and the crew is nothing short of inspiring. Each individual is committed, hard working, and focused on a mission bigger then themselves. Don’t believe me, go check out the team section on the Surfrider Monterey Chapter website. Accomplished and dedicated locals committed to our home. The Monterey Bay and Penninsula.
After hours of hauling debris off the beach and dunes, there was an undeniable sense of accomplishment. Each participant waited patiently in line to help with sorting and finally have what they collected weighed and counted. Flying over a clean launch hill and pristine shoreline afterward was the perfect reward. Not a bad way to start the day on the beach and done by 12pm.
Why These Efforts Matter
Ocean pollution is a global crisis, with millions of tons of trash entering marine environments each year. Cleanups like this are crucial frontline efforts to prevent harm to marine life and protect the health of our coastlines and ultimately our homeland and backyard. But beyond the numbers, they foster community connection, environmental awareness, and a shared sense of responsibility.
Join the Movement
Events like this are a reminder that local action leads to global impact. If you’re inspired to get involved, consider joining a future cleanup or becoming a Surfrider member:
Just about any donation awards you membership. Stay in the loop, get involved. Join the movement.
👉 Become a Member of Surfrider
Let’s continue working together to protect the places we love. 🌊💙
Thank you to everyone who showed up and made this record-breaking day possible. See you at the next cleanup! 🚮🙌
By Harry Parker, Surfrider Impact Ambassador