Ventura, Calif. – On Friday evening Patagonia’s Ventura headquarters opened its back patio for a community‑focused screening of “Sensing Home,” the new documentary by pro‑surfer Dave Rastovich. The film follows surfers who travel to Australia’s river‑mouths, where runoff contaminates the ocean and puts both the water and the athletes at risk.
Local audience gathers for a cause
More than a hundred Ventura residents filled the patio, eager to hear Rastovich’s personal story and to support a cause that resonates with the coastal town’s own love of the sea. “We’ve come here to share a film about river health and riverside communities, and it feels great to be among so many wonderful people in Ventura,” Rastovich said after the screening.
Surfers as “canaries in the coal mine”
Rastovich likened surfers to canaries in the coal mine, noting that when the water is polluted, the surfers become ill. The documentary captures that reality, showing how runoff from agriculture and urban development carries chemicals into the ocean, threatening marine life and the health of those who ride the waves.
Supporting the Surfrider Foundation
All proceeds from the event were donated to the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the nation’s coastlines, including California’s beloved beaches. The foundation’s local chapters have been active in beach clean‑ups, water‑quality monitoring, and advocacy for stronger coastal protections.
Progress and ongoing work
Organizers highlighted recent successes in Australian river‑health projects, such as improved riparian planting and stricter runoff regulations. However, they stressed that much remains to be done to safeguard both the environment and the surfing community.
Why this matters to Ventura
Ventura’s economy and lifestyle are tightly linked to its shoreline. By spotlighting river‑health issues abroad, the event reminded locals that water quality is a shared responsibility that begins with responsible land use and ends with cleaner waves for everyone. The partnership with Patagonia, a brand known for its environmental stewardship, underscores the town’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Looking ahead
Rastovich and the event’s organizers hope the screening will inspire more community action, from supporting local beach clean‑ups to advocating for stronger water‑quality policies at the city and state levels. The film will also travel to other coastal venues, spreading its message of stewardship and the vital role surfers play in alerting the public to environmental threats.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
