Waterman's

The surf industry has always been all about protecting our oceans. For the last 27 years, the tribe has come together through the gathering that is Waterman’s to raise more than $7 million for 19 ocean groups that serve on the front lines of ocean protection, conservation and surf break preservation. And in light of all the recent environmental changes in Washington, D.C., the battle has never been more important.

The environmental threats our industry face come in many forms – ocean pollution, oil spills, runoff, over-development on the coast and more. When beaches close or surf breaks are threatened, the surf industry and our customers lose. It’s that simple. That’s why we must continue to come together, celebrate our culture and raise money to support the amazing people who do the actual work that keeps us all in the water and in business.

The SIMA Environmental Fund was created to serve as the environmental arm of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association by raising funds from the public through fundraisers and solicitations. The SIMA Environmental Fund uses these funds to promote ecological and environmental organizations whose efforts are focused on enhancing the oceanic environment.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund operates through a grant-making program. Tax-exempt environmental groups and organizations wishing to receive funding from the Environmental Fund must submit and have approved by the SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors a grant request form that details the group’s plans for the requested funds. Since its creation in 1989, nearly $7 million in grants have been awarded to various environmental groups through the SIMA Environmental Fund.

Vissla is proud to be the biggest surf industry supporter of the annual Waterman's Weekend, the primary fundraiser to benefit the SIMA Environmental Fund. Last year raised a projected $400,000 for the 2017 SIMA Environmental Fund Grant Recipient.