Surf, Sound, and Sustainability: The Jersey Shore Chapter of Surfrider Foundation Partners with Sea.Hear.Now. at the 6th Annual SHN Festival
As the sun set on the sandy shores of Asbury Park, 36,000 eager attendees gathered for an unforgettable weekend of music, art, and eco-conscious celebration at the Sea.Hear.Now. Festival on September 14 and 15. This year’s festival sold out in a record-breaking eight minutes, thanks to the electrifying announcement of the headliner and native New Jerseyan, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Needless to say, fans came from all over to witness a legendary performance on the group's home turf.
But behind the vibrant sound of guitars and crashing waves stood a partnership that amplified more than just the music: The Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, together with the festival’s creators Danny Clinch (legendary rock photographer), Tim Donnelly, HM Wollman and Tim Sweetwood from C3 Presents, made waves with sustainable initiatives designed to protect the coastline and inspire festival-goers to live more sustainably.
This year, Surfrider took center stage with its involvement in the festival’s eco-programming, staffing four key stations with volunteers who embodied the spirit of environmental stewardship.
1) Rock and Recycle Program
Sustainability and swag collided as festival-goers were encouraged to grab a bag, hit the beach, and fill it with recyclable aluminum cans. Their reward? A limited-edition Sea.Hear.Now. T-shirt. The Rock & Recycle Program inspired participants to clean up and showed them how easy, and fun, being environmentally conscious can be.
2) Composting Initiative: A New Frontier
Surfrider partnered with UnWaste (founded by Lauren Lastimosa) to launch a composting initiative for the first time. Festival-goers helped divert over 1,000 pounds of food waste from landfills, a remarkable feat for its debut year. The excitement and success of this new program left attendees eager to see its growth in the years to come, as the festival continues to push the boundaries of sustainability.
3) Hydration Stations: Redefining Refreshment
In a world of single-use plastics, Sea.Hear.Now. stands tall as a 100% plastic-free festival. Attendees were encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, which they could fill at hydration stations staffed by Surfrider volunteers. Keeping everyone hydrated while reducing plastic waste, these stations embodied the perfect marriage of practicality and sustainability.
4) Greeters, Roamers, and Floaters: Guiding with a Smile
Beyond the environmental efforts, Surfrider volunteers were the first friendly faces festival-goers encountered. Trained as greeters and floaters, they directed attendees to key festival spots like bathrooms, medical stations, food trucks, and merchandise tents. For many, this was their first time seeing Bruce Springsteen perform live, and it became a conversation starter that kept spirits high throughout the day.
5) Photography Station: Capturing Memories in Art
In addition to their eco-friendly efforts, Surfrider volunteers happily orchestrated a Photography Station, capturing festival-goers in front of stunning custom art by local Asbury Park artists like PorkChop, whose vibrant creations adorned the beach and added another layer of creativity to the festival’s atmosphere.
Under the leadership of Surfrider’s Event Coordinator, veteran volunteer Diana Pittet (who has led all six years of the festival), and Vice Chair Jill Nilson (in her second year), the Surfrider team worked with more than 100 volunteers who helped ensure a seamless, sustainable, and informative experience. Among the dedicated crew were Megan Sayles (OFR Coordinator), Christine Sroka (Secretary), Tara Thurber, Michael Tublin, and Brett Yavener.
As Bruce Springsteen belted out 30 iconic songs, sharing personal stories about his ties to the Asbury Park community, the crowd roared in excitement. Surfrider Chair Lauren Brajer stood on the beach, her father, Stan Brajer, leaning down and whispering, “Moon’s out over the ocean and there are waves crashing on the beach in Asbury Park - not a bad way to see Bruce.”
This event wasn't just about the music; it was a testament to what happens when passion for the environment and community converge. From the shores of Asbury Park to the hearts of 36,000 cheering fans, Surfrider’s presence at Sea.Hear.Now. brought environmental awareness to the forefront in the most unforgettable way.
With the festival’s sustainable initiatives, one thing is clear: the ocean, like the music, must be cherished and protected for future generations to enjoy.
All Photos taken by Michael McKenna @michaelmckennaphoto