Much More Than A Surf Program

Entry to a life-long Surf Ohana.

Program basics

Overview: Sessions include surf instruction, surfing, group activities (a talk circle, reflection, journaling), and a malama aina beach clean-up. 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.

Eligibility: Our program is free to all qualified youth from 13-18 years old. Participants must be referred by a counselor, therapist, youth-serving organization, medical practitioner, court, probation officer, or case worker. Parents seeking admission for their child should forward this information to one of the professionals listed above, acquire a referral, and either include it in the referral form or request the youth services professional submit it. For information on referring a youth CLICK HERE.

Student orientation: a promise to succeed

Change is hard. For anyone to change their life (regardless of age), people have to want the change and believe they can do it. Kids are no different! Before the first lesson, we promise each teen that if they accept our guidance and put some effort into it, they will catch a wave and stand up 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?”

Surf session days

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.

Water time

Kids (mentees) hit the water with their mentors, junior mentors, and staff. Concerns and fears give way to the “stoke,” and kids bond quickly with their mentors and the group. Safe and nurturing relationships develop as they learn to trust and seek/accept support and practical guidance.

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 “Malama Aina” as everyone participates in a beach cleanup.

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 Hawaiian culture lessons and life skills taught by staff members and mentors. The kids begin to recognize the interrelationship between the aina (land), the ocean, themselves, and their community.

Malama aina beach cleanup and we’re STOKED!

At the end of each session, mentees, mentors, junior mentors, and staff members pay homage to the aina 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!”

Community service: mentees share their new skills

In every Spirit Session, mentees 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 kids 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.

Celebration time!

On day eight, we celebrate our accomplishments. Week eight 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.

Lastly, everyone is asked to fill out a survey so we can capture important data and the impact of our program.

The program doesn’t end. Now it’s time for Surfari!

Stay connected with your new Surf Ohana through Surfari

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