Applying to become a World Surfing Reserve is straightforward but requires work from local communities desiring their wave or surf zone to be designated and implemented as a WSR site.

Step 1. Submit a letter of inquiry (view sample letter here)

If you are interested in your break or area being designated and implemented as a World Surfing Reserve, you must a submit a letter of inquiry that is no longer than two pages. In this letter, please include the surf break or surf zone for consideration, as well as brief, summary of the quality and consistency of the wave or surf zone; unique environmental characteristics; surf culture; and community support for the designation of a WSR site.

Email: info(at)savethewaves(dot)org

Regular mail:
Save The Waves Coalition
Attn: World Suring Reserves
P.O. Box 183
Davenport, CA 95017 USA

If sending via email and you do not immediately hear back, please be sure and call us (+1-831-426-6169) to confirm that we’ve received the email.

Step 2. Response to letter of inquiry

Once received, we will confirm receipt immediately, the letter will then be evaluated by WSR, and either a request for an application or a denial notification will be sent within three weeks of receiving the letter of inquiry.

Step 3. Submit a WSR application

If the proposal meets the minimum World Surfing Reserves criteria, we will ask for a full application. Simply download and complete the WSR application.

Download the WSR application here.

Download a sample of a completed WSR application here. 

WSR will briefly review the application for completeness, and we will send a response regarding the application’s completeness within two weeks. If the application is complete, it will then be evaluated for potential eligibility as a World Surfing Reserve. If the application is not complete, WSR will return the submission to the applicant and request further information. 

Step 4. WSR vote on application

The World Surfing Reserve Vision Council will vote on received applications deemed complete. Voting currently occurs once a year, usually in January or February (subject to change).

Step 5. Response to WSR application

Notification of acceptance or denial of the application will be sent by the end of February through email or through mail if necessary.