Rob Caughlan, known affectionately as a “planetary patriot,” died at age 82 at his San Mateo home shortly after his wife, Diana. His life inspired many in the environmental movement, especially through his work with the Surfrider Foundation, which he co-founded in the early 1980s. Friends described him as a joyful, engaging person who believed in making a difference while having fun.
Lennie Roberts, a conservationist and long-time friend, recalled Caughlan’s philosophy: “The real winner in a surfing contest is the guy who has the most fun.” This spirit defined how Caughlan approached life and activism.
Caughlan began his journey in political activism in the 1970s, notably as an environmental adviser in the Carter administration. His knack for rallying people and resources was evident early on. He organized grassroots efforts, like creating T-shirts to support the Watergate investigation led by Senator Sam Ervin.
Glenn Hening, another founder of Surfrider, praised Caughlan’s persuasive skills. He played a crucial role in the foundation’s first major campaigns, including one against a city that was harming surf spots by digging up sand. Their fight took center stage in 1989 when they challenged paper mills polluting Northern California waters. Thanks to Caughlan, they won a $5.8 million settlement alongside the EPA.
Caughlan also worked tirelessly to protect the coastline in San Mateo County. He was instrumental in passing a ballot measure that still safeguards beaches from overdevelopment today. This legacy continues to benefit anyone who enjoys these natural spaces.
More recently, in 2010, Caughlan re-emerged in the environmental scene when Surfrider took on a case to restore public access to Martin’s Beach. Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla had closed this valuable coastline, but thanks to Caughlan’s enthusiasm and persistence, the beach became accessible again.
Born on February 27, 1943, in Alliance, Ohio, Caughlan moved to San Mateo as a child. It was here he discovered the ocean, riding his first wave in 1959 at Half Moon Bay.
Caughlan’s impact can still be felt today, especially with the increasing global focus on environmental issues. As more people engage in activism, the approaches inspired by pioneers like Caughlan resonate strongly with those seeking change. The conversation around environmental stewardship continues, highlighting the importance of protecting our natural world for future generations.
For more insights on environmental activism, you can check out this report from the EPA.
