Beauty and the Beach

There are a few unwritten rules in the surfing world: Don't drop in on somebody else's wave, don't reveal sweet surf spots, and make sure you support the Surfrider Foundation. The foundation is "dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people." In San Francisco, this means playing big brother to Ocean Beach. When the city attempted to ban Ocean Beach bonfires last year, Surfrider saved the day by helping establish sensible rules and regulations for designated fire pits. Along with weekly maintenance of the fire pits at Stairway 17, the group cleans different areas of the beach every month. If you want to get involved with the organization's efforts, which include everything from screening films to environmental action, surf over to www.surfrider.org. For information on upcoming San Francisco events, click here www.sfsurfrider.org.

Note: The next Ocean Beach clean-up is scheduled for August 5. Volunteers are always needed. If Surfrider's dates don't fit your plans, they'll provide everything required (gloves, rakes, trash bags, etc.) so that you can put together a clean-up day of your own.