Cocoa Beach was ranked the fourth most endangered surf spot in the country, a study said.

cocoa beach, florida –One of Florida’s most iconic surfing spots has been ranked as one of the most threatened by rising sea levels. Surfrider Foundation.

The foundation, which describes itself as “a community of everyday people who passionately protect our playgrounds, the oceans, waves and beaches”, is in danger of losing the waves that often inspire tourists, they said. has ranked the top 10 surf spots nationwide. Economy.

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“When I go out there every day, I still feel like a kid,” said Matt LeFleur.

The Cocoa Beach resident said surfing is one of his passions.

“I grew up on the beach. It’s a big part of me,” he said. “It’s always exciting.”

Same with John Hearin.

“As long as I can surf with them, I’ll be here,” he said.

The Surfrider Foundation estimates that the Cocoa Beach waves that helped hometown hero Kelly Slater become a world champion are facing a major challenge of rising sea levels.

according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – or NOAA – Cocoa Beach could see sea levels rise 1 foot over the next 20 years.

The same estimate shows that it could rise as much as 4 feet by 2100.

foundation ranked Cocoa Beach as the fourth most dangerous surf area in the country.

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1. Hawaii—Oahu North Shore

2. california – surfers point

3. California – Mounting

4. Florida — Cocoa Beach

5. North Carolina—Carolina Beach

6. Puerto Rico — Torres Palmas

7. New York — Rockaways

8. Texas—Corpus Christi

9. Main – Higgins Beach

10. Washington – Westport

Hearin is the leader of the Surfrider Space Coast Chapter.

“The nature of beaches will change,” he said. “It’s going to be really flat. No sandbar is the same and the waves will break on the sandbars. So it will affect how the sandbars form and ultimately here cocoa he will affect how the waves break on the beach. It will happen.”

Hearin said his volunteers are working hard to stop the ocean from encroaching on the beach.

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They planted thousands of sea oats up and down the Brevard County coastline.

“When a storm event occurs, the plants act to stabilize the beach and keep the sand in place,” he said.

He said they are already seeing results.

After three hurricanes hit Central Florida in 2004, the beach entrance on Slater Way in Cocoa Beach was all sand.

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Today, the same entrance is filled with sea grapes and sea barley and has an arched walkway for beachgoers.

Hearin said he will continue to plant using nature to combat it.

“Mother Nature is very resilient if you give it a chance,” he said.

Hiarrin said it’s a community effort for his organization to work with the City of Cocoa Beach, the City of Cape Canaveral, and local high schools to save the beach.

He said he hopes the younger generation will learn from this and continue their efforts.