Group Y Live : Nik Strong-Cvetich of Save The Waves

Join us for an inspiring episode of Group Y Live as host Oli Russell-Cowan sits down with Nik Strong-Cvetich, the CEO of Save the Waves Coalition. With a mission to protect surf ecosystems and coastal resources, Nik has transformed Save the Waves from a small two-person operation into a thriving team of 14, working on projects in 15 countries.

In this episode, Nik shares his journey from growing up in Washington state to becoming a leader in conservation. He discusses the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative solutions like the Save the Waves mobile app, and the unique challenges faced by coastal communities.

Discover how Save the Waves is making a significant impact through initiatives like the World Surfing Reserve program, which recognizes and protects outstanding surf breaks around the globe. Nik also highlights the role of local communities in conservation efforts and the exciting projects on the horizon, including the development of the world's first insurance product for surf breaks.

Whether you're a surfer, environmentalist, or simply curious about the intersection of surfing and conservation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and stories. Don't miss it!

Topics Covered:

• Nik's background and journey into conservation

• The growth and impact of Save the Waves Coalition

• The significance of the World Surfing Reserve program

• Innovative conservation solutions for coastal communities

• The future of surfing and its economic importance

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - Reconnecting After Portugal
02:20 - Portugal as a Surf Hub
03:30 - World Surfing Reserves and Conservation
04:30 - Nik's Background and Early Influences
06:30 - Linking Surfing and Conservation
08:40 - Nik's Journey to Save the Waves
11:50 - Growth of Save the Waves Coalition
12:50 - Early Days and Learning Experiences
18:00 - Scaling the Organization
19:30 - Travel and Global Projects
21:30 - Collaboration with Local Communities
23:30 - Case Study: Uluwatu, Bali
27:00 - Empowering Local Voices
28:30 - Insurance for Surf Breaks
30:00 - Future Projects and Initiatives
32:30 - Economic Impact of Surfing
35:00 - Getting Involved with Save the Waves
39:00 - Launch of The Lead Podcast
41:00 - Leadership Lessons in Conservation