Bill Calls for 'Surfing Reserves' to Protect California's Iconic Waves

Proposed legislation aims to designate and conserve the state's world-famous surf breaks.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single surfboard shape repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a bold, pop art style with flat, unnatural neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the vibrant surf culture and conservation efforts in California.Vibrant silkscreen art celebrates California's iconic surf culture and the push to protect its world-famous waves.Santa Cruz Today

A new bill in the California legislature would establish a framework to designate certain coastal areas as 'surfing reserves', providing legal protections and conservation efforts to safeguard the state's iconic surf breaks like Malibu, Mavericks, and Trestles. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, would task the Ocean Protection Council with overseeing the reserve designation process and integrating them into the state's broader 30x30 conservation goals.

Why it matters

California's surf culture and economy are deeply intertwined, with the state's world-class waves attracting millions of surfers and generating billions in tourism revenue each year. However, these surf breaks face growing threats from climate change, coastal erosion, and pollution. Designating them as protected 'surfing reserves' would empower local communities to implement conservation measures and ensure these natural resources are preserved for generations to come.

The details

The proposed bill, known as AB1938, would require the Ocean Protection Council to establish criteria and an application process for local governments to designate areas of the coastline as state-recognized 'surfing reserves' by July 1, 2027. These reserves would encompass the waves, surf zones, and surrounding environments, and would need to demonstrate cultural, historical, ecological, and economic significance. Local governments would be responsible for promoting and publicizing the reserves through signage. The reserves would also be incorporated into California's broader 30x30 conservation goal to protect 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030.

  • The bill recently passed through the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
  • If passed, the Ocean Protection Council would need to establish the reserve designation criteria and application process by July 1, 2027.

The players

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

The author of the bill that would establish the 'surfing reserve' framework in California.

Ocean Protection Council

The state agency that would oversee the surfing reserve designation process and integrate them into California's 30x30 conservation goals.

Save the Waves Coalition

A California-based nonprofit that has a goal of protecting 1,000 surf ecosystems by 2030, and has already designated two World Surfing Reserves in the state (Santa Cruz and Malibu).

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What they’re saying

“These breaks are destinations for millions of domestic and international surfers, and generate several billion dollars of economic activity every year.”

— Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Bill Author

“Designating surf reserves will empower local communities to implement conservation measures, improve water quality, and enhance coastal access for generations to come.”

— Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Bill Author

“California has a lot of connectivity to the surf economy. There are some of the best waves in the world in California and the environmental groups based in California are leading the narrative, conversation and advocacy impacting breaks all around the world.”

— Vipe Desai, Executive Director, Surf Industry Members Association

What’s next

If the bill passes, the Ocean Protection Council will need to establish the criteria and application process for designating surfing reserves by July 1, 2027. Local governments will then be able to apply for their coastlines to be recognized as protected surfing reserves.

The takeaway

Protecting California's iconic surf breaks is crucial for preserving the state's rich surf culture, vibrant coastal economies, and natural environments. This proposed legislation provides a framework to formally designate and conserve these valuable resources for the benefit of both surfers and local communities.