Our core Spirit Sessions are held for 8 consecutive Saturdays in spring, summer and fall.

Sessions last 4 hours in the morning and afternoons and include surfing instruction, group activities, talk circle, reflection, journaling, and a malama 'āina beach clean-up at the end of each session. Every youth has a dedicated adult surf mentor who volunteers their time to work with their mentee and be a part of this nurturing and supportive `Ohana of adult mentors, peer mentors, and staff.

Program Basics

Eligibility: Our program is free to all qualified youth, ages 13-18, referred by counselors, therapists, youth-serving organizations, medical practitioners, the courts, probation officers, and case workers.

Dates: Our 2024 Spirit Sessions are scheduled for 8 consecutive Saturdays:

Spring: March 16 to May 4, 2024

Summer: June 22 to August 10, 2024

Fall: Sept. 28 to Nov. 16, 2024

Location: Canoes at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki (by the Duke Kahanamoku Statue).

Application requirements: Applications can be submitted by parents, guardians, or hopeful participants. You must include a parent or guardian's name and contact information as well as the name and phone number of the person who referred you.

CLICK HERE to fill out the application form.

Once we receive the application, we will follow up with you to confirm acceptance and send the final consent forms. If you have any questions, please CONTACT US.

Student Orientation: A Promise to Succeed

Change is hard. To change their lives, youth need to want to change and believe they can do it. Before their first lesson, we promise each teen that if they accept our guidance and put some effort into it, they will catch a wave and ride on their very first day. Many doubt us, but we make it happen. Later, we ask them, “What else can you achieve that you don’t believe is possible?”

Youth orientations are done by request or prior arrangement.

Surf Session Days

1. Warm-up

Each surf session begins with a talk-story circle and theme for the day, followed by warm-up stretches, and land-based surf instruction.

 2. Water Time

Young people (mentees) hit the water with their adult volunteer “surf buddy” mentors, junior mentors, and staff. Reservations give way to the “stoke,” and youth bond quickly to their mentors and the group. Safe and nurturing relationships develop as they learn to trust and seek/accept support and practical guidance.

3. Post-Surf Time to Eat, Bond and Reflect

After surfing, the group comes together for lunch. Mentors work with mentees to recognize their accomplishments and challenges and to set new goals. Mentors help youth process their experiences in the water and apply the lessons learned in the surf to their lives. The day’s theme helps guide the discussion. Each session wraps with a “Mālama ‘Āina” as youth participate in a beach cleanup.

4. Group Talk-Circle

Mentees discover new perspectives and a new sense of belonging in group talk circles where everyone shares opinions, insights, and knowledge. Discussions lead to a Hawaiian culture lesson, or life skills lessons taught by staff members and mentors. The youth begin to recognize the interrelationship between the ‘āina (land), the ocean, themselves and their community.

5. Mālama ‘Āina Beach Cleanup & We’re Stoked!

At the end of each session, youth, mentors, junior mentors, and staff members pay homage to the ‘āina in honor of the gifts they received from their time in the water and on the beach. Junior mentors lead the beach cleanups.

Trash is disposed of properly, recyclables are sorted, and cigarette butts are collected. At the end of each program, the group recognizes how small actions can add up to make a big impact.

Bonded by good fun, good company, and good deeds, the group pulls together and celebrates by shouting in unison, “STOKED!”

6. Community Service: Mentees Become Mentors

In every Spirit Session, youth learn to mentor elementary school-age at-risk youth at a special Community Service Day session in partnership with Kids Hurt Too . This experience lifts our youth, who have just learned to surf themselves, into a leadership role that they readily embrace. Rewarded with hugs and adoration from their young mentees, our youth gain greater self-esteem and a sense of purpose as they learn to give back to our community. Many ask to return to future events.

I know that there are people who lead and those that follow. Today I was more confident because I was helping little kids surf and facing my fear of the reef. - Kimo

7. Celebrations!

Celebrating during the last week is special because every youth receives a certificate with a picture of themselves taken with their mentor and a bag of Spirit Notes, which contain positive messages from their adult mentors, peer mentors, and staff to share with family and friends.

In this session, everyone fills out a survey so we can capture meaningful data on the impact of our program.

This was really good. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did. I actually helped someone. And it feels good. I want to do it again. -Davin

8. Stay connected with your Ohana in Surfari

Your connection to Surfrider Spirit Sessions, your mentor, friends you made in session, does not end here. It’s the beginning of a new chapter with your surf `ohana in your corner. Stay in touch and come to Surfari. CLICK HERE for more information about Surfari.