Why the Disappearance of Kelp Worries This Surf Champion

“I’ve been surfing for 25 years and in the last 10 years, I’m like, ‘Where did all the kelp go?’ As surfers we’re constantly immersing ourselves in nature and seeing climate change firsthand.” Thinking about the decimation of California’s kelp forests keeps former pro surfer and entrepreneur Kassia Meador up at night. — As told to Todd Woody.

Kelp grows, like, 2 feet a day in good conditions, and it’s a huge sequester of carbon. It’s such a life source for so many creatures—a sanctuary for sea otters and sea lions and other marine life—because it keeps them away from predators. Kelp creates glassy conditions for surfers, and because sharks can’t swim through the kelp, it’s also keeping us safe on our boards.