As a lifelong surfer and advocate for the ocean, I’ve experienced the beauty and fragility of the Oregon Coast. This summer, Wild Sam featured my work with the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA) in a road trip travel story, spotlighting iconic places like Pacific City and Port Orford—both sites grappling with significant kelp loss. Through my photography, I aimed to capture the magic of these places, not just for their natural beauty but to raise awareness about the critical issue of kelp deforestation and its impact on coastal ecosystems. By highlighting these stories, I hope to inspire deeper connection and action to protect these vital habitats