Changing Tides: A Legacy of Surfing with Purpose

Over the years, Changing Tides has been at the forefront of combining surfing with meaningful action. One notable past initiative was the North Shore Community Compost Movement (NSCCM), launched to tackle food waste on Oahu’s North Shore. The program collected weekly food scraps from local households and transformed them into nutrient-rich soil for nearby farms—a creative way to address environmental challenges at home while fostering community connections.

Co-founder and professional surfer Leah Dawson shared how the program worked: buckets of food waste were collected, fermented with a special additive called Bokashi, and then composted into soil that helped local farmers grow healthier crops while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For residents, the program was more than composting—it built awareness around food waste and sustainability, connecting households with the land that feeds them.

NSCCM exemplifies the philosophy that drives Changing Tides: finding innovative ways to give back, whether locally or internationally, and empowering communities to thrive. From launching anti-plastic campaigns and supporting disaster relief efforts to mentoring young women through surf programs, Changing Tides continues to create opportunities for positive impact wherever water women and adventurers are inspired to act.

This feature, originally covered by ASN, highlights how Changing Tides has consistently combined passion with purpose—proving that surfing can be a catalyst for change, not just a sport.