By: Ryan Dale-Johnson // Aug.12, 2024

This past weekend, NRI had the pleasure of attending the SIMA Waterman’s Gala, an annual gathering hosted by the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) to raise funds for preserving and protecting the health of our oceans. The evening was filled with great conversations and the warmth of reconnecting with industry friends, clients, and partners—something I always look forward to.

But beyond the socializing, what truly stood out was the collective commitment from everyone present, even among competitors, to safeguard the very playground we all cherish and depend on. It was inspiring to see such a strong sense of shared responsibility for our oceans, a cause that transcends business rivalries and brings us all together for the greater good.

Throughout the evening, many attendees generously opened their wallets, both through direct donations and by bidding on auction items. It was heartening to witness this level of support, reflecting the deep passion our industry has for ocean conservation.

A big shoutout goes to the event organizers and all the volunteers who made the night a success. NRI wants to extend our gratitude to many of our clients, other brands, and independent artists who kindly donated items for the auction—your contributions are making a real difference.  Thank you 686, Nidecker Group, M-Experiment, Mervin Manufacturing, BN3TH, and all others.

As we continue to enjoy and thrive in this industry, let’s remember that we all have a role to play in protecting our oceans for future generations. Together, we can make a significant impact.

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Pictured above is NRI’s VP of Business Development Ryan Dale-Johnson, SIMA Events Manager, Melinda Simpson, and Founder of Roark, Ryan Hitzel.