Battling Coastal Erosion at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach: Will Surfers Sacrifice Waves for Infrastructure?

Ocean Beach, located in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, is a haven for surfers who seek to catch waves that can reach over 20 feet during the winter months. The area has become increasingly popular among surfers, and this popularity is reflected in the many surf shops and bars that have sprung up along the Great Highway. One such bar is Pitt’s Pub, owned by surfers known as the “Outerlands,” who have made it their mission to preserve the unique character of the area.

Recently, however, surfers have expressed concerns about a city plan to transform part of the Great Highway at Ocean Beach. The plan includes several components, including bike lanes, an art exhibit, and a beach access ramp at the southern end of the beach. While these additions may seem like positive changes for visitors to Ocean Beach, one controversial aspect of the plan has raised eyebrows among experts and surfers alike: the construction of a 3,200-foot underground wall to protect a nearby wastewater plant from coastal erosion.

The construction of this wall has led to fears that it could displace sand and potentially ruin some of Ocean Beach’s waves. Surfer Matt Lopez, co-owner of Pitt’s Pub and a lifelong resident of San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, has expressed concern about how this change could impact one particularly significant spot: Sloat surf break. He believes that altering this wave could permanently damage not only the surfing experience but also the character of the community itself.

“This spot has already seen a decline in quality due to periodic sand dumping for erosion control,” Lopez explained. “And we fear that more drastic changes could permanently damage our beloved surf spot.” He emphasized that preserving this unique piece of history is crucial for both surf enthusiasts and residents alike who choose to live on the Great Highway for reasons beyond just sunny weather days.

The proposed changes come amidst growing tensions between developers and environmentalists over how best to handle coastal erosion in California’s coastline cities like San Francisco. With increasing population growth and climate change posing new threats to coastal infrastructure across California, there are calls for more aggressive measures than ever before to shore up beaches against rising sea levels and other environmental threats