Our Mission
Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization whose mission is the protection and enjoyment of the worlds oceans, beaches and waves with conservation, activism, research and education. The Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information about our national organization visit us at Surfrider.org
The Suncoast Chapter proudly upholds Surfrider’s mission on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Our territory expands from the marshy coastline of Citrus County to the emerald green waters of Marco Island.
Re-established in 2007, the Suncoast Chapter beach activists keep Florida beaches cleaner in many ways.
The Suncoast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization whose mission is the protection and enjoyment of the worlds oceans, beaches and waves with conservation, activism, research and education.
Suncoast Chapter Board Members
Chair: Thomas Paterek
What I do for fun: I love to surf, travel, meet new people, dive into new cultures, learn as much as possible, share my thoughts, help others, swim with sharks, and of course clean the beach!
Why I am a Surfrider: Because I believe in taking a proactive role in our community to educate, create awareness and to protect the one thing we as Surfers hold so true to. Also, I love to surround myself around great people.
Unusual talents: I can name every line in any Seinfeld episode.
Favorite Surf Spot: Frigates Pass, Fiji
Vice Chair: Scott Orsini
What I do for fun: Surf, Bike, Play with my kids, reading and music
Why I am a Surfrider: The beach belongs to everyone and everyone should be able to enjoy a
clean, safe beach.
Unusual talents: Skilled at negotiation and good people skills
Favorite Surf Spot: Sunset Beach and Playalinda
Volunteer Coordinator: Victoria Spera
What I do for fun: I enjoy the outdoors, playing soccer, painting, environmental work, running, and influencing younger minds in some way shape or form.
Why I am a Surfrider: I am passionate about my ocean and beaches and stand behind protecting them so that my children can someday enjoy access to clean beaches and oceans. Surfrider dedicates itself to this cause while also allowing the community to experience the recreational aspects that our oceans provide.
Unusual talents: I have a sixth sense 
Favorite Surf Spot: I have not mastered the sport of surfing…but will say my favorite surf spot will be the first wave I caught and felt the rush of surfing a wave; Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Treasurer: Jessica Respondek, MBA
What I do for fun: Spend the day with my husband Jake, play-dates with my baby Tyde, volunteer for Surfrider, garden, kayack, ride my bike, disc golf, and I hope to surf again soon!
Why I am a Surfrider: Started off to win my hubby’s heart, but then I realized the organization helps to curb needless erosion projects – I was hooked.
Unusual talents: Blog for Creative Loafing Tampa, write poetry, and can bend my fingers back – perpendicular to my hands! LoL!
Favorite Surf Spot: Near shops we all know and love – as well as ‘kook beach’!
Secretary: Josh Nash
What I do for fun: I am a certified CrossFit instructor. I enjoy the training and coaching involved with it. Simply put outdoors. Camping, Surfing, hiking, long skating, running, fishing, skydiving, barbecues, Ginnie Springs every summer.
Why I am a Surfrider: I became involved because of water quality. I want to help turn the tide on red tide. I had questions as to where it came from. I will work on the blue water task force for our chapter.
Unusual talents: I wouldn’t say I have any unusual talents. I am in tune with Human body language. I sincerely want to learn something about the people I interact with.
Favorite Surf Spot: Turtle Beach used to be the best spot here in Sarasota until it was dredged recently, it would hold up in bigger surf. Crescent Beach now is the go to spot.
Meeting Location
New Chapter Meeting Location and Day
Based on your feedback, the general meeting location and day has been changed!
The chapter will now meet on the first Tuesday bi-monthly at The Garden in downtown St. Pete!
Meet fellow environmentally conscious people and find out what you can do to help the Gulf of Mexico, our beaches, and our breaks!
The Garden Bistro
www.thegardenbistro.com
217 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL 33701-3325
(727) 896-3800
Have an event, news, or comments?
Please use the form below to contact us or email suncoast@surfrider.org. All messages are sent to the Chapter Communications Coordinator for disbursement. If you wish for your voice to be heard by someone else in the Chapter, please let us know.
You can also contact us at the following address:
Surfrider Foundation Suncoast Chapter
P.O. Box 22974
St. Petersburg, FL 33742
