By Brody Eggert
My name is Brody Eggert, and I could not be more excited to be introducing myself as the new Chapter Manager of the Surfrider Foundation Eastern Long Island! I have met many of you in my time as an intern, but I look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of you.
Growing up in East Hampton, I could regularly be found paddle-boarding on Accabonac Harbor, camping at Gin Beach, and struggling in Junior Lifeguards at Indian Wells Beach. Later on— despite my struggles in Junior Lifeguards—I became an Ocean Lifeguard for the Town of East Hampton, working at Atlantic Ave. and Kirk Park Beaches. Working as an Ocean Lifeguard is what first got me involved with the Surfrider Foundation. I was proud to support an organization that stands to serve not only the environment but the recreationalists that enjoy them.
While I wish I was lifeguarding year-round, I also attended Pomona College in Southern California, graduating in May 2025 with a B.A. in Environmental Analysis and Economics. The summer before graduating college, I had the opportunity to do an internship with the Eastern Long Island Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and I became hooked! So hooked that my entire senior thesis was based on volunteer collected data from Blue Water Task Force.
I believe living on—or even visiting—the East End of Long Island provides a special appreciation for the balance between ourselves and the ocean. From our seafood-heavy diets to our tourism driven economy, the East End relies on our oceans, waves, and beaches, and they rely on us to be strong stewards.
Seeing your dedication, pride, and love for this organization is what convinced me to make it my mission to come back to the Surfrider Foundation. Our volunteers—AKA you all—are the foundation of Surfrider ELI. I am stoked to continue Surfrider ELI’s and Jenna’s legacy of being a champion for not only our local waters, but those who enjoy them!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to book a 30 minute one-on-one meeting with me at the following link: https://calendly.com/beggert-easternli/introduction-to-core-volunteers
I could not be more excited to be working with you all!
With Love and Excitement,
Brody Eggert