National Surfing Reserves works with coastal communities to assist them in the recognition of national and regional surfing reserves. We keep the process simple: engage, nominate, dedicate and advocate.

Please note, when using our criteria there could be potentially 100s of regional surfing reserves. Surfing sites are only dedicated as a surfing reserve when there is strong community support. The process is and must be inclusive and community-driven, and takes approximately 12-18months.

1 Get in Touch

Let us know why you think your local surfing site is worthy of national or regional recognition. Think about the consistency of the surf break, history and local surf culture and community. Feel free to send us any surfing folklore and photos.

2 Prepare Nomination

Read though the resource pack via the link below and the Manly NSR and Encounter Coast RSR nominations to get an idea of what is involved. Gauge level of interest and support among your community. If the community is behind it then prepare the nomination, including the location, representatives of nomination, what is special about the location with regard to the surf and surf culture, history and community, and include evidence of strong community support. We recommend you liaise with us during this process for advice and guidance.

2 Submit Nomination

Submit a full nomination package. Expect approximately 3 months for us to decide. If approved you will be assigned a NSR rep to support subsequent stages.

4 Success

If successful you can move onto researching and preparing a booklet, designing the plaque and organising the dedication as outlined in the resource pack. Your NSR rep with be available for advice and assistance throughout.

To get started download our resource pack: criteria, process and tips.

Review Previous Successful Nominations

Manly

National Surfing Reserve Nomination

Encounter Coast

Regional Surfing Reserve Nomination

Acknowledgement of Country

National Surfing Reserves acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been taking care of coastal and marine ecologies for more than more than 60,000 years. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging across Australia, and value the importance of our First People in the protection, preservation and sharing of surfing sites.