"Growing up in a community near the #beach and as a #surfer, I’m all too familiar with ocean pollution. There’s been countless times I’ve been in the #ocean, only to see #plastic and cans floating next to me or entangled in seaweed. I’ll be paddling out on my surfboard and feel a drag on my leash, expecting seaweed to be tangled on it, but will instead discover that a string of trash has hitched a ride onto my leash. We so often take our planet for granted, enjoying waves at the beach while simultaneously leaving trash behind on the sand." Words & #art by Jaya Tewari @jayatewart (Grade 9, California), participant in the 2016 Ocean Awareness Student #Contest Want to #makeadifference for our oceans? Find your local @surfrider chapter & rally with others who care about the future of our #blue planet. #longlivethebeach #moreoceanlessplastic #surfing #surf #sea #earth #beachcleanup #marinedebris #wave #mixedmedia #paintforapurpose #student #makeasplash #pollution #recycle #environment #pai...