How Surfing Changes Lives of Underprivileged Kids Clarissa-Jan Lim - A Plus
go to original November 11, 2015

Surfing is a sport synonymous with sunny, laid back vibes and classic beach montages in popular culture. But it has quietly taken on a bigger purpose besides offering the carefree pleasures of an extreme sport.

In recent years, surfing has emerged as a tool for empowerment in underprivileged communities around the world.

Whether along the California coast or in Rosarito, Mexico, organizations are changing underprivileged children's lives through surfing, teaching them the discipline, patience, and community values that have long been a part of the sport.

Kovalam Surf Club in Kerala, India is one such organization. As part of the Sebastian Indian Social Projects, they teach kids to surf and care for the boards they use, instilling in them a sense of responsibility.

THEIR SEA (Jeremy Ramirez)

Many of their members grew up in extreme poverty, but surfing has had a positive impact on their lives. Kovalam Surf Club offers free surf lessons on the condition that the children attend school regularly.

Then there are groups that reach out to local organizers in different parts of the world to equip them with the skills needed to inspire their youth. ReSurf, a New York-based organization, does just that.

Partnering with established community centers that work with underserved youth, ReSurf creates social entrepreneurship programs that raises awareness and teach children skills such as graphic design, film editing, and photography. Their hope is that the kids will eventually become leaders in their own right and carry on the cycle of social engagement.

Read the rest at A Plus

Photo: Jeremy Ramirez/Vimeo

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