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Published in the RTN, 9th April 2008 Beach CleanBy Daniel Alcock During the bank holiday weekend, the Surf Rider Foundation organised an international beach clean involving surf clubs from all over Europe. The idea of this is to increase international awareness of beach contamination. The beach clean in Gran Canaria was organised by Club Oleaje from the north of the island. Here there are some fantastic beaches which go relatively un-noticed by the tourist. The beaches are not usually as sandy as the beaches in the south and if they are, they are black sand. They are quite often more exposed than the beaches of the south but far less crowded and more natural. These beaches offer a far more consistent, quality wave, but also have much to offer to the non surfer - some are absolutely beautiful! Standout beaches are Bañaderos where there is a natural swimming pool and "Vagabundo" (San Felipe) which is nestled in a spectacular green valley. If you search, there are many more nice little coves and ram-sack beach bars to be enjoyed. Club Oleaje had arranged to clean up the beach known to surfers as los Enanos and the kids from the Surf Canaries Surf club from the south went up to lend a hand. This is an account of what they found: Surfers are traditionally associated with being environmentally friendly people and this is because of the compulsory link with the aquatic environment. For example, the last leg of the surfing world tour which was held in Bells Beach, Australia was operated on a carbon displacement program. This is an interesting concept whereby businesses or people alike can "offset" their CO2 usage by measuring it, then ensuring that this is replaced by a tree re-planting scheme. At the end of the day we as surfers are not heavy, intense environmentalists with CO2 statistics and grave prophecies about the earth's demise, we simply ask for each to review their way in which they reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. Featured Surfer
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