By Save the Waves / April 7, 2026 
For several months, Save The Waves has been working hand-in-hand with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-42 District) to introduce and pass a bill that would help establish ‘Surfing Reserves’ along the California coastline.
The goal is to provide a framework that will advocate for and help protect California’s 300-plus surf breaks and surf ecosystems.
“California has led the way in ocean conservation, but we need to do more to protect our iconic surf breaks. Saves The Waves has done tremendous work to elevate the importance of surf reserves, and I am excited to bring these designations to the state-level,” said Irwin.
“There is a lot of buzz around designating surf reserves which will empower local communities to implement conservation measures, improve water quality, and enhance coastal access for generations to come.”
Assembly Bill 1938 (AB 1938) would create a framework and process for local communities to establish State Surfing Reserves. These reserves will give recognition to key surf zones and highlight their environmental, cultural and economic importance in the state. And they can help influence coastal policy, address water quality, ensure access, and create resilience to climate change impacts.
Right now, surf breaks in California are currently not prioritized and minimally recognized as resources to consider in coastal policy, management or coastal development decision-making. As California’s official state sport, surfing is a beloved pastime and a primary economic engine generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Surf breaks are more than the wave: they are surf ecosystems with unique environmental characteristics and biodiversity, as well as cultural and historical context.
On March 23?rd, AB 1938 passed through the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and has now advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. The committee ?will evaluate the bill’s impact on the state budget before it can move to the Assembly Floor for a full vote.
Save the Waves is proud to partner with Surfrider Foundation on this effort as well as Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-28 District), who has signed on as a co-author.
“We’re excited to work closely with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s office on this bill. We share a vision for surf breaks in California recognizing these incredible coastal resources and developing a framework that will lead to stewardship and protection from ongoing threats,” said Trent Hodges, Sr. Manager of Conservation Programs at Save The Waves Coalition.
As the bill moves forward, we are building a broad coalition with many institutions, organizations, businesses and individuals who are committed to protecting our waves and coastal resources.
Save The Waves Coalition is an international nonprofit that works in coalition with diverse organizations dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems.
I’m stoked!