From Shoreline to Shambles: Why I Joined the Fight for Cleaner Beaches
I’ve spent most of my life by the sea — both on it and in it — witnessing firsthand the devastating growth of ocean pollution.
Growing up in Italy, the beach was sacred. I was taught early to recycle, to respect the environment, and to leave places better than we found them. It was a family standard. Waste wasn’t something we left behind. It was something we managed — together.
When I arrived in Brazil, I was excited to explore new waters and teach kitesurfing on some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. But what I found shocked me.
Don’t get me wrong — the landscapes are beautiful, the wind is amazing, and the people I’ve met have been some of the best. But the disregard for nature? It’s something I struggle to accept.
One of the first things I noticed was the beach BBQ culture. While the idea sounds fun, what’s often left behind is appalling — scorched patches of sand, broken glass, plastic cutlery, and aluminum cans buried just beneath the surface.
What frustrates me the most is seeing groups — often young people — treating the beach like it’s a disposable party venue. I’ve come back the next morning to teach lessons and found everything from plastic cups to dirty nappies scattered across the dunes. It’s heartbreaking.
And while I understand that everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a difference between celebration and neglect.
Kitesurfing Through Trash
As a kitesurfing instructor, I spend more time than most skimming the ocean’s surface. Over the years, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: trash is no longer something you sometimes see… it’s a constant.
Plastic bags floating like jellyfish. Food wrappers tangled around seaweed. Bottles bobbing just beneath the surface. I’ve had kites snag on debris and students fall onto sharp objects buried in the sand.
The ocean is becoming a landfill, and for those of us who rely on it — for work, for sport, for peace — it’s personal.
Why I Joined OceanPulse
I joined OceanPulse because Icouldn’t keep watching it happen without doing something.
It’s not just about beach cleanups — although those are essential. It’s about restoring respect. About education. About giving back to the very places that give us so much.
When I lead a cleanup, I see it click for people — the sheer volume of trash collected in just a few hours is shocking. I’ve seen locals impressed, tourists apologize, and young kids become mini-environmentalists on the spot.
Luke Riley
It’s powerful. And it’s necessary.
We’ve created a culture of convenience — plastic everything, throwaway habits, and zero accountability. Overtourism only makes it worse. Towns built for 5,000 residents are welcoming 50,000 tourists in a season, and the infrastructure is still behind.
We need better policies, more education, and a global shift in how we see our coastlines.
The Ocean Has Given Me Everything
It taught me discipline, gave me a career, and showed me beauty beyond words. Now, I owe it something in return.
If you’ve ever felt that connection — standing on a board, wind in your sail, or just toes in the tide — then you know what I mean.
Let’s protect the beaches we love.
Join us.
