Maine Beach Access
The Surfrider Foundation Maine Chapter is engaged to protect what we love: Maine’s ocean, waves, and beaches.
Let's Protect Beach Access
Maine is one of many coastal states that have an insufficient number of public beach access points. Access to the beach is threatened every day. From locked gates to restricted hours, exclusive developments to economic barriers, these threats all limit access to our public beaches. We believe that beaches should be accessible to everyone. Our network of chapters, clubs, and volunteers is determined to keep our beaches accessible for all to enjoy.
To help combat this problem, the Surfrider Foundation works with decision-making bodies to evaluate each beach access issue that arises. We also pursue litigation to ensure full and fair access to all beaches for all people. In instances of existing public coastal access, we believe that the access must be retained or that new and increased opportunities should be provided, especially to those beaches or areas that offer recreational activities. Being able to access the places we love is something we take very seriously. We protect and preserve access to these places so that we can enjoy them.
If you are interested in getting more involved with beach access topics, please fill out the form below or email beachaccess@maine.surfrider.org
Maine Supreme Court Access Case
In 2024, The Surfrider Foundation Maine Chapter participated as an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) party and represented the voice of low-impact recreational beach users. This is an important case for all Mainers and Surfrider members who enjoy Maine beaches and deserve to exercise their recreational rights along the shore.
Our ocean, waves and beaches are everything. Let’s save them.
Our Core Values
The Surfrider Foundation believes that getting outside and engaging with the natural world, especially the ocean, waves and beaches, is inspiring, supports healthier lifestyles, improves productivity and ultimately creates a better culture.
1. Honor the mission.
Surfrider is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people, through a powerful activist network. At the center of every action we take is our mission, our grassroots structure and local perspectives. We aim for positive impact and measurable results on behalf of the communities that we serve.
2. The beach is fun and Surfrider should be, too.
Surfrider comprises people who love the ocean, work hard to protect it, and need to enjoy it as part of keeping advocacy gratifying and fun. We are optimistic about the future of our ocean and coasts because our volunteers make a positive difference every day.
3. We are open and inclusive.
Our ocean, waves and beaches belong to all of us, and we welcome all who are interested in joining our movement. Through our principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), we seek to engage and represent the communities that we work in, and tosupport, create, foster and champion diversity at all levels within our organization.
4. We cultivate leaders.
We believe that the most effective way to build a coastal protection movement is to provide leadership opportunities for our volunteers. By cultivating their voices and skills, we are preparing the next generation of coastal defenders to lead within their own communities.
5. We are problem solvers.
We are solution-oriented. Surfrider applies science, critical thinking and innovation to assess problems and develop practical long-term solutions that protect our coasts.
6. The Surfrider is yours to create.
The Surfrider culture is defined by the people who show up with a love of the ocean and care deeply for its well-being. Through science, community and respect, we are people who joyfully take on the challenges before us. Our culture is one of selflessness, sharing, and bringing people together to achieve Surfrider’s mission.