Belinda Baggs
SURFERS FOR CLIMATE
‘Tell us a bit about the background of your career and how it has evolved into what it is today’
“For years I was totally obsessed with surfing that I pretty much sacrificed the idea of a successful career!
I spent my entire 20’s in the ocean, couch surfing, sleeping in my van, picking up rubbish from the beach and working crappy jobs a few days a week to cover rent, food and essential bills.
Eventually Patagonia started supporting me as they needed someone to test wetsuits and they were told ‘no-one surfs as much as Bindy!’ This role with Patagonia evolved as I needed more money, landing myself a desk job managing Patagonia Australia’s social media. This is where I was exposed to many environmental truths about our lands, waters, climate and the products we wear.
The more I learnt the more I was volunteering my time to help certain causes. Eventually Patagonia switched my roles when I can spend my time working on campaigns that better help the environment.
This is when I got together with a few mates and started Surfers For Climate.”
‘What is Surfers For Climate working on right now?’
“Surfers For Climate is a sea-roots movement dedicated to positive climate action. We only launched at the end of last year pushing the notion on ‘wipe out your emissions’ aimed at providing a way that all surfers no matter how green they are can enter the climate space with action, making a conscious effort to not be a climate kook. For those who are already invested on the environmental journey it's a guide to do something a little more. https://surfersforclimate.org.au/wipeout-your-emissions.
We need to give climate change a face lift from something that is happening to something that is truly effecting us.
A big part of what we intend to do is tell the story of the climate impacts that are already effecting our coastlines and breaks and provide solutions. We want to keep the topic positive.
We are currently working on strategies to obtain our 4 main goals;
The surfing community cares about climate.
The surfing community is playing an active role in stopping coastal and offshore fossil fuel developments.
The surfing community is taking action to implement climate solutions
MPs representing surfing communities are taking action on climate
Be sure to follow our instagram and website incoming months as we roll out more actions and ways you can help.”
‘What have you done recently that has helped the land?’
‘In December I divested my money. Many of our banks and super funds invest in fossil fuel projects that are responsible for degradation of our lands and eventually climate. Removing your money from institutions that invest in fossil fuel projects and placing it in ones that invest in renewable is one of the quickest ways to make large scale change happen. See more info here- https://surfersforclimate.org.au/divest-december
On a more grassroots and exciting level after Xmas / Jan holidays the great ocean road is always littered with trash from visitors who like to clean their cars on the highway. I have taken several short walks filling bags with plastic rubbish.’
‘What have you done recently that has helped the sea?’
‘My home waters of Newcastle are under threat of being turned into a gas field. The future of 4500 square km of ocean between Newcastle and Sydney currently sit in the hands of Keith Pitt. New gas extraction threatens the local ecology and marine life, risks a spill and has huge impacts on our climate. In December SFC joined a delegation lead by Surfrider Foundation and Save Our Coast to Canberra to rally support from our politicians to protect these waters.
On a broader scale everything we do impacts the ocean. Absorbing over 90% of the excess heat caused by a warming climate - every decision we make either adds or subtracts. Even if your not besides the ocean consider that without a healthy ocean there is no healthy planet and rethink your choices.’
‘We used to see your face here all the time, do you miss living in Noosa?’
‘So much! Noosa is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Spending long days at Tea Tree and watching the sun set from the water is my favourite thing to do! Amazing friends and such a fantastic beach culture.. this is really unique.’
‘You are a lady of the sea (and a very graceful one at that) When and how did your relationship with the sea begin?’
‘My dad surfs so I have always spent my weekends sandy. Learning to swim and paddle over the shore break came with adolescence. Eventually I left the sand castle building behind and spend my time out the back or at least trying to get out the back.
Growing up in Newcastle my goal has always been to surf well on all common conditions. That includes the stormy days and bigger swells as well as the small offshore magic! I found myself switching out equipment and spending more and more hours out in the water. Eventually the ocean became a best friend. The place I would go to celebrate achievements, cry, laugh and eventually a place where I was able to learn who I was.
Being a tomboy in my teen years and never being into fashion or the latest styles, the waves became the place that I learnt what it was to be a woman and embrace my femininity. This connection and passion for the sea lead me to wanting to protect and preserve its magic and beauty.’
‘There has been a lot of education and need for change environmentally and socially in businesses, what are three things you encourage everyone to implement into their businesses today?’
Equality - Injustices happening to marginalised communities and the earth are interconnected. Ensure your business advocates for the protection of the people and the planet.
Sustainability - Ensure that you source local and sustainable materials to build a business that will help the environment and your local community.
Giving back - donating to organisations through programs such as 1% for the planet.
‘What are your next steps? Anything you would like to share with us?’
‘Focusing my energy on Surfers For Climate so we can follow through with our goals mentioned above. Its high time all surfers care about climate before the ocean is impacted for the next generation.’
