The Science of Surfing
New England Science and Sailing (NESS) has brought hundreds of ocean lovers together for the past 12 years through competitive surfing and beach cleanups. The 13th Annual Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic & Beach Cleanup is scheduled for 9AM to 3PM on International Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 21 at Westerly Town Beach. Registration opens July 22nd. The day includes free try-surfing clinics, various competitive heats, and a coastal cleanup.
In 2022, 70 surfers aged 8-18 entered the classic and collected over 77 pounds of marine debris, human-made items that negatively impact the environment, during the cleanup on the beach and adjacent salt pond. Thanks to a long list of sponsors, the event demonstrates NESS’s commitment to healthy marine environments, along with marine science and adventure sports education.
Some of that comes from community events such as this one, local summer programs, and sailing lessons. But most of the effort happens through NESS’s accredited, nationally recognized, and award-winning marine science and ocean-based STEM curriculum that provides hands-on, experiential learning in classrooms and field experiences throughout the year.
For example, middle and high school students can discover the science of waves in different forms (radio, x-ray, light, sound, and more) and work together to build a model to help demonstrate the anatomy and function of a wave.
Waves are created by energy passing through water, causing them to move in a circular motion. Waves transmit energy, not water. However, waves can be caused by underwater disturbances that displace water such as earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
By putting that knowledge to the test and getting in the water to surf, students then learn how to predict, select, and judge waves while gaining safety knowledge, an understanding of weather and waves, and board-riding abilities! NESS students also learn how to communicate and work together to problem-solve real-world scenarios, while finding the confidence to try something new.
“Our work at NESS allows thousands of students to discover their connection to the ocean through education programs and community events. Catch a Curl is a unique event in that it allows for families, friends, and community members to experience time on the water together, while also promoting healthy marine environments.”
Annual Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic & Beach Cleanup
Join us at Westerly Town Beach to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 21, 2024 by getting out on the water and supporting your community!
The 13th Annual Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic is open to beginners through advanced youth surfers and is followed by a community Beach Cleanup open to all. Kids can sign up for "try-surfing" sessions with the support of NESS instructors or tune up their surfing skills before the competition.
Stewardship at NESS
Maintaining a sustainable natural environment is one of our core values. At NESS, we believe that by building respect for one another and for our environment helps build strong character.Here are some of the ways NESS advocates for good stewardship.
Participating in the Unified Water Study
Using the Rozalia Project Marine Debris Tracker App
