LOS ANGELES, CA (June 2022) – Just in time for World Oceans Day on June 8th, Kona Brewing Co., a brand born on the beaches of Hawaii, is heading back to the beach to kick off the 2nd Annual Catch a Clean Wave initiative. Beginning on June 6th, Kona, professional surfer Anna Gudauskus and internationally recognized surf photographer Sarah Lee will embark on an 8-stop, 1,500+ mile epic surf and beach clean-up journey down the East Coast. From Portland, Maine to Juno Beach, Florida, the duo will be in search of the best breaks and host community beach clean-ups, all while ensuring each beach is left in better condition than how they found it.

“After seeing the positive impact that the Catch a Clean Wave program made on the West Coast, we knew that we needed to continue this important initiative by supporting our East Coast Ohana and help clean-up efforts at their favorite beaches from Maine to Florida,” said Ashlee Conrad, Brand Manager, Kona Brewing Co. “With summer beach season kicking off, we hope this program reminds beachgoers all over the world that every piece of trash collected counts and helps us all enjoy our beaches and waterways for years to come.”

Last summer, Kona, with partners Gudauskas and Lee, traveled from Washington to Southern California, stopping at a total of 15 beaches and collecting more than 240 pounds of trash. This year, in addition to having fans participate in beach clean-ups at every stop, individuals can also direct message Kona on Instagram @KonaBrewingCo to receive their own beach clean-up kit to help keep their favorite beach clean.

2022 Catch a Clean Wave Schedule:

  • June 6th: Long Sands Beach, Maine
  • June 7th: M Street Beach, Boston, Massachusetts (Beach clean-up only)
  • June 8th: 94th Street Beach, Rockaway, New York
  • June 9th: Asbury Park, New Jersey
  • June 11th: 1st Street Jetty, Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • June 14th: Tybee Island Pier, Savannah, Georgia
  • June 15th: Juno Beach Pier, West Palm Beach, Florida
  • June 16th: Cocoa Beach, Florida

As reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean year, with plastic making up 80% of all marine debris. On top of that, 80% of marine litter comes from land-based pollution, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. In an effort to combat marine litter and lower these jarring statistics, Kona is continuing its partnership with Save the Waves Coalition and making an impactful donation to bring additional awareness and support to the importance of ocean conservation.

As a result of our ongoing partnership with Kona, we have been able to engage even more consumers to further our mission and make a positive impact on preserving our surf breaks and coastlines,” said Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves Coalition. “Through the Catch a Clean Wave program, we hope to inspire consumers on the East Coast and beyond to take preservation into their own hands so we can continue doing what we love – surfing the cleanest waves – for generations to come. Download our Save the Waves app to start defending your own coastline today.”