The Surfrider Foundation presents its annual One Ocean Gala — an evening dedicated to raising funds to protect the world’s oceans and beaches. Scheduled for August 8 at The Crow’s Nest in Montauk, this year’s event will honor Greg Long, a professional big wave surfer and passionate ocean conservation advocate.
Long’s career spans nearly three decades. He has received numerous XXL Global Big Wave Awards, such as Biggest Wave, Ride of the Year, and Performer of the Year, along with two WSL Big Wave World Championship titles.
“With environmental legislation in its current embattled state, the ocean needs a protector more than ever. As someone who spends a lot of time in the ocean, I’m grateful for The Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to defending and preserving the natural beauty of our coastlines,” said actor John Slattery, a Surfrider One Ocean Gala attendee.
The event brings together over 350 donors, celebrities, media, and cultural icons who all share a passion for protecting the ocean.
“My family and I surf in Montauk, so the One Ocean gala feels especially meaningful and personal to us. It’s a beautiful reminder that protecting our beaches and waterways can be both joyful and deeply inspiring,” said fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, a member of this year’s host committee.
The evening includes craft drinks, a curated silent and live auction, live music, and a seated dinner prepared by The Crow’s Nest culinary team.
Christina Blaustein, a fellow member of the host committee, explained her motivation for backing ocean conservation for future generations. “Joining Surfrider felt like a way to ensure that my children, and their children, can experience this beautiful blue planet the way I got to.”
This year’s host committee also includes Taylor and Liev Schreiber, Steven Dubb and Selby Drummond, Howard Blaustein, Shelby Meade, and Rachelle and Sean MacPherson.
Funds support initiatives such as Surfrider’s Eastern Long Island Blue Water Task Force, which improves beach water testing, while the foundation is also expanding its Ocean Friendly Businesses network to eliminate single-use plastics, with partnerships on the South and North Forks, including Marram and The Dock in Montauk, Rosie’s Amagansett, and Hotel Moraine and The Halyard in Greenport. Surfrider aims to safeguard coastlines through its Climate Action Program, where the Eastern Long Island chapter uses dune grass plantings to address coastal erosion.
