Posted March 17, 2015 Chase Newsom

Cocoa Beach Florida is not only the home town of 11 time world champion Kelly Slater; it also serves as a spring break destination for many Americans who have been deterred by one of the coldest and longest winters on record. March 14-16 Ron Jon Surf Shop hosted the third annual Beach ‘N Board Fest during a packed spring break weekend. The event hosted almost every kind of board sport including a World Surf League Junior Pro as well as an opportunity for spectators to give back with a sustainability campaign.

Volcom teamed up with Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB), a local non-profit organization to give back to an environment that has given humans so much over the years. Our mission was to plant sea oats along the dune line to promote sustainability awareness and build up an area that is subject to erosion. The sand dunes provide a barrier between Mother Nature and residential areas and are home to various types of animals that support the local ecosystem.

On March 14^th and 15^th, Volcom along with KBB and Ron Jon provided an opportunity to educate beach goers about sustainability and the role sand dunes play in preserving the beaches ecosystem by acting as a natural barrier. Each day over 200 eager volunteers were given a shovel and sea oat by Volcom team riders Balaram Stack, Noah Schweitzer and Pat Schmidt and ventured to the dune line to do their part. Being rewarded with an awesome gift bag was a small incentive compared to the satisfaction felt by all knowing they helped preserve the beaches for future generations.