Surfers of Salina Cruz, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, have banned all digital and printed surf media for a period of two years, in the local surfing spots.
All foreign professional cameramen will not be allowed to take pictures or videos, after an article published in a U.S. surf magazine in 2011 wounded the pride of the local surfers.
Salina Cruz surfers decided to form a civil association for the protection and care of their beaches, so that these surf sanctuaries will not be exploited by people outside of the local community.
"The main objectives of our association is that all local surfers who belong may benefit in having a decent job based on what they most love, which is to be able to surf and at the same time to help take care of and direct tourism, to preserve the environment or to be able to enjoy the waves of their home break, getting the respect that they deserve", a press release states.
Salina Cruz surfers invite foreign surfers to hire the services of a local surfer for either a guide, photographer, lodging or transportation, thus helping the local economy, since Oaxaca is one of the three poorest states in Mexico.
The Mexican riders are also rail barricades to prevent the small rental cars from driving through so frequently or getting stuck and blocking the farmers from getting to work with their tractors or carts.
There's also a warning to the surf industry. "We want Salina Cruz to be a surf destination free from foreign control and the economic revenue derived from tourism to be for the sole benefit of the local population and the visitors' stay to be pleasant, safe, comfortable, worry-free, and fun".
The Union of Surfers and Lifeguards of Salina Cruz is the newly formed civil association.
