15 April, 2008

By Dave Aabo

One donation is shaping the history of surfing in Peru. Global Surf Industries (GSI) sent a shipping container full of surfboards to Peru last year. It’s true as GSI founder says “Life is better when you surf”. The driving force behind the boards’ arrival was a new not-for-profit association in Peru, Switzerland and the USA: WAVES for Development. With the help of IPD (Instituto Peruano de Deporte) and FENTA (Federacion Deportiva Nacional de Tabla) the donated boards have made it into select schools along the coast of Peru. Earlier this month WAVES for Development completed a two-week pilot project in the community of Lobitos, 65 km south of Mancora, putting some of those boards to good use.

The Educational Surf pilot ‘vacaciones utiles’ during the school vacation was a great success.  Thirty-eight local youth participants, ages 8-27, attended. The program consisted of alternating hour-long English and Environment classes, that took place inside and outside of the classroom, followed by an hour and half of swim and surf class with representatives from Olas Peru surf school on the beach. For some, it was their first time in the ocean. For many, it was their first instruction in swimming and surfing. A garden was planted in the school yard, and over 20 garbage bags of trash were collected from the beach. This was an opportunity for kids like 14 year-old Edgar, who fishes instead of going to school, to learn in an experiential setting.

Adventure Voluntourism is the name of the volunteer aspect of WAVES for Development.  Volunteers blend adventure and service to a coastal community; an example of how to do good while on vacation. Twelve travelers from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia, the US, the UK and Peru volunteered for the pilot program where they lived, cooked, taught and surfed together. Some call it the “Real Not-for-Profit World,” others call it community living, we call it Adventure Voluntourism. 

Peru has a rich surfing history. Blessed with waves practically everyday of the year, it’s only fitting that WAVES for Development starts its programs in Peru.  As a new not-for-profit (run in part by returned Peace Corps Peru Volunteers), we are constantly looking for people and resources to support us in our endeavors. If you or anyone you know might be interested in going on a trip, making a contribution or supporting us otherwise please contact us at info@WAVESforDevelopment.org. The Fiestas Patrias school vacation will be the next Educational Surf and Adventure Voluntourism program in Lobitos. Help make WAVES for Development!

About WAVES: WAVES for Development connects surfing and sustainable development and stands for what its programs encapsulate: W-ater, A-dventure, V-olontourism, E-ducation, S-ustainability.  Our mission is to use surfing to make the world a better place.  The community-based educational programs promote: Life skills for local youth, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism and social entrepreneurship. We offer Educational Surf programs for local youth and Adventure Voluntourism programs for international travelers. More information visit: www.WAVESforDevelopment.org.