Surfrider Foundation Semi-Finals: Your Vote Decides Which Beach Gets a Major Cleanup Boost!
Breaking News, October 21, 2025 – The race to crown the most beloved beach in France and Réunion is heating up! The Surfrider Foundation, a leading environmental non-profit, has launched a captivating online competition, and it’s now down to the semi-finals. But this isn’t just about bragging rights; the winning beach will be the focal point of a large-scale citizen-led waste collection effort. This is a chance to directly impact coastal health and show your support for a cleaner ocean. For those following the Surfrider Foundation, this is a pivotal moment.
From Eight to Four: The Semi-Final Lineup
Launched on September 20, 2025, the competition initially saw eight stunning beaches vying for the title. After a first round of online voting, followed by engaging “story” quarter-finals on the Surfrider Foundation’s social media channels, only four remain. The contenders are:
- Sciotot (Les Pieux, Manche): Representing the Normandy coast, Sciotot offers a rugged beauty and a strong local community.
- Sormiou (Marseille): A calanque gem near Marseille, Sormiou is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
- La Côte des Basques (Biarritz): A legendary surfing spot in the Basque Country, La Côte des Basques is a vibrant hub for ocean enthusiasts.
- Boucan Canot (Saint-Paul, Réunion): A stunning beach on the island of Réunion, Boucan Canot boasts volcanic landscapes and a unique cultural heritage.
How to Vote: 24 Hours to Make Your Voice Heard
The semi-final showdown begins today, Tuesday, October 21, at 12:30 p.m. (local time) and will remain open for just 24 hours. Voting will take place through interactive stories on the Surfrider Foundation’s social media platforms. Don’t miss your chance to champion your favorite beach! The matchups are Sciotot versus Sormiou, and La Côte des Basques against Boucan Canot. Head to their Instagram or Facebook pages to cast your vote.
Why Beach Cleanups Matter: A Deeper Dive
This competition isn’t just a fun way to celebrate beautiful beaches; it highlights a critical environmental issue. Marine debris, particularly plastic pollution, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. From entangling marine life to disrupting food chains, the consequences are far-reaching. The Surfrider Foundation has been at the forefront of tackling this problem for decades, organizing regular beach cleanups and advocating for policies to reduce plastic waste. Did you know that an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans every year? That’s equivalent to dumping one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.
Beyond the immediate visual impact, plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine organisms and can ultimately make their way into our food supply. Participating in beach cleanups, like the one planned for the winning beach, is a tangible way to address this issue and protect our oceans for future generations. Even small actions, like reducing your plastic consumption and properly disposing of waste, can make a big difference.
The Grand Finale and Beyond
The final voting round is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at 12:30 p.m., with the winning beach announced on Wednesday, October 29. The victorious location will then become the epicenter of a large-scale citizen waste collection event, organized in collaboration with dedicated volunteers. This initiative will not only remove existing debris but also raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste management and ocean conservation. Keep an eye on archyde.com for updates on the final results and details about the upcoming cleanup event. This competition is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our precious coastal environments.
