WAVES for Development's Educational Surf Programs combine youth development activities with adventure. The four class themes are Life Skills, Healthy Living, Earth Connection, and Social Entrepreneurship.

Life Skills

According to Unicef, “life skills can be defined as those interpersonal skills which help make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and develop coping and self-management skills that contribute to a healthy and productive life.” WAVES helps youth build these skills through a variety of experiential learning activities, including surfing, that promote creativity and responsibility. Additionally, WAVES offers English language classes for youth to develop their communication skills.

Healthy Living

Healthy Living classes offer physical education through swimming and surfing. Participants learn the importance of exercise and how to do it safely in the ocean. The curriculum, based on that of Olas Peru Surf School and the BSA, is designed to help youth develop healthy bodies to go along with healthy minds. Use of English words and phrases re-enforce material from the English lessons taught in English classes.

Earth Connection

Environmental conservation is the focus of the Earth Connection classes. In addition to developing a special relationship with the natural environment though surfing and adventure activities, youth participants learn about the environment, how to take care of it, and how to enjoy it. These youth then share with community members the importance of recycling, minimizing energy consumption, alternative energies, solid waste management, and ensuring a clean water supply.

Social Entrepreneurship

Social Entrepreneurship projects offer participants the training to develop business skills that can be used to make their community a better place. The aim is to create businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and serve the community utilizing local resources. Using experiential learning, new entrepreneurs are given the opporutunity to learn to conduct feasibility studies, create business plans and manage small businesses. While WAVES programs place emphasis on surfing and tourism-related businesses, the skills learned by participants can be applied to businesses in any field.