If you’ve been to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, you know how incredible it is.Noosa’s beaches are treasures of the surf world–treasures of the non-surf world, for that matter. Save the Waves Coalition cemented their protection by officially declaring the four-kilometer stretch of pristine waves the 10th World Surfing Reserve.
“It’s a tremendous honor and a great way to preserve what we have for future generations,” said Phil Jarratt, a Noosa National Surfing Reserve committee member. Noosa joins Snapper Rocks and Manly Beach in Australia, Malibu and Santa Cruz in California, Bahia Todos Santos in Mexico, Punta de Lobos in Chile, Huanchaco in Peru, Ericeira in Portugal, and Guardo do Embau in Brazil.
World Surfing Reserves are awarded to places with environmental and cultural significance, and Noosa more than fit the bill. The designation will ensure beach management and protection for the beaches and five breaks between the Noosa River and Sunshine Beach. They’re chosen after looking at things like the consistency of the waves, local history, and environmental characteristics. “It gives us a seat at the table to discuss issues related to beach and coastal management,” Jarratt told ABC. “Especially when it relates to things that might damage the surf breaks.”The reserve will also be a major plus for tourism [as] Noosa’s is one of Australia’s best international drawcards.”
“Noosa more than deserves this honor,” said Save the Waves Coalition executive director Nik Strong-Cvetich. “The combination of diverse point breaks within a protected natural area, and the importance of surfing in the cultural fabric of the town made it an outstanding candidate.”
