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About

Our Mission

To provide underprivileged children in all communities the opportunity to experience surfing; leading to positive and long-lasting life choices which benefit the local community as well as global society.

young boy riding a wave on stomach on a surfboard
Our Mission
sky with light clouds and open ocean with rolling swell

Our Vision

The ocean and surfing will be used around the world, in partnership with other experiences and education, to improve mental, physical, and overall well-being for all.

The BeginNing

It all started as a small idea taking kids surfing from impoverished communities around Cape Town. The power of surfing, the ocean, the community has been life changing for not just us, but millions of surfers. We quickly saw the change and inspiration surfing can bring and want to share that with children and communities around the world.

We also discovered there are numerous scientifically backed studies to the benefits of surfing. Ocean and Surf Therapy is being found around the world to have numerous health benefits and also allow the participants a new and exciting experience. All the evidence and research led us to starting our first program in Cape Town, South Africa.

Partners - Our initial program began with Education without Borders which provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk children through initiatives in South Africa and Canada, including after-school support programs in Math, English, Science, school leadership and youth mentorship.​

We have also partnered with 9Miles Project, which through the provision of supplementary education, literacy classes, learning adventures, life skills and leadership training, including sports (namely surfing) 9Miles Project creates sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip and empower impoverished and high risk youth from coastal informal settlements and communities.

It all started as a small idea taking kids surfing from impoverished communities around Cape Town. The power of surfing, the ocean, the community has been life changing for not just us, but millions of surfers. We quickly saw the change and inspiration surfing can bring and want to share that with children and communities around the world.

We also discovered there are numerous scientifically backed studies to the benefits of surfing. Ocean and Surf Therapy is being found around the world to have numerous health benefits and also allow the participants a new and exciting experience. All the evidence and research led us to starting our first program in Cape Town, South Africa.

Partners - Our initial program began with Education without Borders which provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk children through initiatives in South Africa and Canada, including after-school support programs in Math, English, Science, school leadership and youth mentorship.​

We have also partnered with 9Miles Project, which through the provision of supplementary education, literacy classes, learning adventures, life skills and leadership training, including sports (namely surfing) 9Miles Project creates sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip and empower impoverished and high risk youth from coastal informal settlements and communities.

About Us
kids in circle with one kid in the center in a dancing position and smiling

Testimonials

nigel savel making shaka with hand on boat
Nigel Savel

Founder & Acting Chairperson

"Every month when these young people come, there is a light in their eyes, there is hope, and we see transformation every single session. We are not just surfing, we offer life empowerment and personal development."

ruth and cecil hershler erbacing and smiling with a young female student
Ruth and Cecil Hershler

Co-Founders

"Partnering with 9Miles and Surf without Borders has resulted in the most enduring and successful sports program in the history of EwB. Our learners say thank you each time"

What's Next

What's Next

What's Next

Upon returning from South Africa we began developing a small Los Angeles program during covid. We raised money for food campaigns in the communities where many of our children come from in Cape Town.

We remain very flexible according to the specific needs of each community as well as the overall environment at the time. We have now began a surf empowerment program in Nicaragua, in the coastal community of Hacienda Iguana.

We will continue to grow our current programs, making sure they flourish and continue to have positive impact on local communities. Many new and exciting programs are in development and will be announced as we work closely with local leaders and keep each specific communities needs in mind.

We believe all children can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.

Partners & Sponsors

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Join us!

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