Oze sun supports WSCC gold coast surfing

Surfing, Sustainability & Science | Why Oze Sun Supports WSCC2026

The ocean has always given more than it takes.

For surfers, it’s a place of freedom.
For families, it’s where memories are made.
For coastal communities, it’s a lifeline — culturally, environmentally, and economically.

At Oze Sun, we believe sun care should protect more than just your skin. It should support the environments where life, sport, and connection unfold under the sun. That’s why we’re proud to be a sample sponsor of the World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 (WSCC2026) — a global gathering dedicated to the powerful intersection of surfing, sustainability, and science.

Surfer riding a wave at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast with the city skyline behind, highlighting the connection between surfing and coastal sustainability, World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 oze sun WSCC 2026 surfing gold coast, World Surfing Conservation Conference

Fast Facts: WSCC2026 & Ocean Sustainability

  • Event: World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026
  • Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  • Focus Areas: Surf ecosystems, coastal sustainability, marine science, community wellbeing
  • Why It Matters: Surf breaks support biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal economies (UN Environment Programme, 2024)
  • Oze Sun’s Role: Sample Sponsor supporting science-led ocean protection initiatives

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What Is WSCC2026 — And Why It Matters

Taking place on Australia’s Gold Coast, WSCC2026 brings together scientists, surfers, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world to explore how surf ecosystems can be protected in a rapidly changing climate.


Unlike traditional environmental conferences, WSCC is uniquely positioned in surf culture. It doesn’t just look at ocean protection in theory — it explores how coastal development, climate change, tourism, urban design, marine science, and community wellbeing all shape the future of the world’s surf breaks and shorelines.

This matters because surf ecosystems aren’t just waves. They’re living systems that support:

  • Marine biodiversity
  • Local economies
  • Cultural identity
  • Public health and wellbeing
  • Climate resilience

As researchers have increasingly highlighted, coastal zones and surf breaks act as natural buffers against erosion and extreme weather, while also providing social and economic value to communities that depend on them (International Coastal Management Journal, 2023).

Audience and speakers at the World Surfing Conservation Conference on the Gold Coast discussing ocean conservation and surf ecosystem protection

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Surf Ecosystems: More Than Just Waves

A surf break is a delicate balance of reef, sand, currents, and coastline — shaped by natural forces over thousands of years. But modern pressures have made these systems increasingly vulnerable.

Scientific studies have shown that:

  • Coastal construction can permanently alter wave quality and seabed ecosystems
  • Pollution and runoff affect nearshore marine habitats
  • Rising ocean temperatures contribute to coral bleaching and biodiversity loss

(UN Environment Programme, 2024)

WSCC2026 places these issues at the centre of global discussion — not just as environmental challenges, but as shared responsibilities for surfers, businesses, governments, and communities alike.

At Oze Sun, this resonates deeply. We exist in the same spaces that surfers and ocean lovers do — beaches, coastlines, open water, and sun-soaked environments. Supporting WSCC means supporting the long-term health of the places our customers live, play, and explore.

Aerial view of reef showing natural reef formations that support marine life and ocean formation, World Surfing Conservation Conference

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Where Science Meets Surf Culture

One of the most powerful aspects of WSCC2026 is its emphasis on evidence-based conservation.

The conference program explores topics such as:

  • Coastal engineering and natural shoreline protection
  • Surfing and human wellbeing
  • Sustainable tourism and coastal economies
  • Marine policy and environmental governance
  • Climate adaptation for surf communities

(WSCC2026 Call for Abstracts, 2025)

This approach reflects a growing global movement: conservation strategies grounded in research, data, and long-term impact, rather than short-term solutions.

At Oze Sun, we share this philosophy. Just as WSCC brings science into surf conservation, we bring science into sun protection — ensuring our products are designed to perform in real outdoor conditions while supporting responsible ingredient standards and ocean-minded formulation choices.

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Community, Culture & Global Voices

WSCC2026 also celebrates the human side of ocean protection.

From surf legends and environmental advocates to grassroots organisations and Indigenous coastal leaders, the conference creates space for voices that understand the ocean not just as a resource — but as heritage, identity, and responsibility.

The organisers describe WSCC as a platform for “global collaboration that bridges academic research, lived experience, and community action” (WSCC2026, 2025).

This is where impact truly happens — when science informs policy, and communities bring those ideas to life on the ground.

WSCC surfing oze sun gold coast, World Surfing Conservation Conference

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Why Oze Sun Supports WSCC2026

Sun care is part of ocean culture.

Every surfer, swimmer, hiker, parent, and outdoor explorer relies on sun protection to safely experience the world’s coastlines. But with that comes a responsibility to consider how our choices affect the environments we enjoy.

Our decision to support WSCC2026 is rooted in three core values:

🌱 Environmental Responsibility

We believe ocean protection starts with awareness — and grows through action. Supporting a global conservation platform helps elevate critical conversations around coastal sustainability.

⚙️ Science-Driven Solutions

WSCC’s focus on research mirrors our own commitment to performance-based sun care — designed for real outdoor lifestyles, not just shelf appeal.

🌊 Community First

Surf culture has always been about respect — for the ocean, for each other, and for future generations. WSCC2026 reflects that same spirit of stewardship and shared responsibility.

We don’t see sponsorship as a logo placement. We see it as participation in a movement that values long-term impact over short-term attention.

WSCC surfing gold coast family kids having fun, World Surfing Conservation Conference

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How You Can Support Healthy Oceans

You don’t have to be a scientist or surfer to make a difference. Small choices, made consistently, shape the future of our coastlines.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

  • Choose sun protection products designed with ocean environments in mind
  • Reduce single-use plastics at the beach
  • Support local coastal clean-up initiatives
  • Stay informed about coastal development in your community
  • Attend or follow events like WSCC2026 to learn from global leaders in conservation

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Join the Movement

The future of surfing, sustainability, and science doesn’t belong to one group — it belongs to all of us who love the ocean.

To learn more about the conference, speakers, and how to attend, visit the official WSCC2026 website:
🔗 https://www.wscc2026.com.au

At Oze Sun, we’ll continue building products and partnerships that help protect the moments — and the environments — that make life under the sun so powerful.

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References

World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 (WSCC2026).
Official Website & Conference Mission. https://www.wscc2026.com.au

United Nations Environment Programme (2024).
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Resilience Report.

International Coastal Management Journal (2023).
The Economic and Environmental Value of Surf Break Ecosystems.

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Common Questions About Surfing & Ocean Sustainability

Why are surf ecosystems important?

Surf ecosystems support marine biodiversity, protect coastlines from erosion, and sustain local economies through tourism and community recreation (UNEP, 2024).

What is reef-safe sunscreen?

Reef-safe sunscreen refers to sun protection products formulated without certain UV filters that have been linked to coral stress and marine toxicity, helping reduce human impact on ocean ecosystems.

What is WSCC2026?

The World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 is a global event hosted on the Gold Coast, Australia, bringing together scientists, surfers, conservationists, and policymakers to protect surf breaks and coastal environments.

Why does sun care matter for ocean protection?

Sunscreen enters ocean systems through swimming and coastal runoff, making responsible formulation and consumer awareness an important part of broader marine conservation efforts.

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About the Author

Oze Sun is an Australian sun care brand focused on science-backed sun protection and ocean-minded formulation, supporting sustainability initiatives across surf and coastal communities.

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