The Surfrider Foundation returned to The Crow’s Nest in Montauk on August 8 for its annual One Ocean Gala, drawing more than 450 guests and raising more than $700,000 for the organization’s work protecting oceans, waves, beaches, and coastal communities. The 2026 gathering marked the most successful One Ocean event to date.
Overlooking Lake Montauk, the evening brought together supporters from the worlds of conservation, fashion, entertainment, media, and philanthropy. Guests gathered for cocktails, dinner prepared by The Crow’s Nest culinary team, live and silent auctions, and a performance by Diplo.
This year’s Wavemaker Award was presented to professional big-wave surfer and longtime ocean advocate Greg Long. Snowboarder and environmental advocate Jeremy Jones, founder of Protect Our Winters, presented the honor. Long, a two-time Big Wave World Champion and Surfrider Global Ambassador, has spent much of his life advocating for the health and protection of the ocean alongside his career in professional surfing.
The Host Committee included Cynthia Rowley, Taylor and Liev Schreiber, John Slattery and Talia Balsam, Carolyn Murphy, Jayma Cardoso, Christina and Howard Blaustein, Steven Dubb and Selby Drummond, Rachelle and Sean MacPherson, and Shelby Meade.
Bethenny Frankel, Cynthia Rowley, Taylor and Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Jayma Cardoso and Antonio di Oronzo, Kate Nauta and Rob McKinley, Dianne Vavra, Evan Yurman, Devon Levesque, Christine Evangelista, Rachelle and Sean MacPherson, and Julian Schnabel were among the notable guests.
The funds raised in Montauk will support Surfrider’s environmental work both locally and nationally. On Eastern Long Island, the organization addresses water quality, plastic pollution, coastal erosion, beach access, and the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Its local Blue Water Task Force monitors water quality, while other programs focus on reducing single-use plastics and strengthening shorelines through projects such as dune restoration.
The East End has a particularly close connection to Surfrider’s mission. Beaches and waterways are central to life in Montauk, making the annual benefit both a social gathering and a source of funding for environmental work that directly affects the surrounding community.
Patagonia, Gray Whale Spirits, Faherty, and LaCroix supported this year’s One Ocean Gala as sponsors.
With more than $700,000 raised in a single evening, the 2026 One Ocean Gala gave Surfrider significant resources for the year ahead while bringing together a group united by a shared interest in protecting the coast.
Photos by Bobby Alan Photography and Paul Brooke Jr.
