The Surfrider Foundation is fighting to keep America's beaches open to the public.
The right to beach access is constantly being challenged by private property owners and developers who would like to lock up slices of the coast for themselves alone.
Martin's Beach is just one of Surfrider's many beach access battles.
A group of surfers decided to hit the local waves, but they were accused of trespassing and had to answer in court for... surfing on US beaches.
Crossing the land to use a beach. Is that a crime? Currently, the gate at Martin's Beach remains closed, and the Surfrider Foundation is suing under the Coastal Act.
The right to beach access is constantly being challenged by private property owners, developers, and even sea level rise.
Of course, some wealthy landowners would like to lock up slices of the coast for themselves alone.
Public beach access is a universal right. In many European countries, it's not possible to have private beaches with restricted access.
In the last 20 years, Surfrider has celebrated five victories at Deal and Asbury Park (New Jersey), Rockaway Beach (New York), Ponte Vedra (Florida), and Eastport (Maine).
Help the cause. Support public beach access through the Surfrider Foundation.