555
IMPACT SURF TRAVELERS
452418
GRANTS DISPERSED & DIRECT ASSISTANCE $
16360
TRAVELER VOLUNTEER HOURS SERVED (conservative estimate; value: $327,200)
5
GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES SUPPORTED IN 4 COUNTRIES
Our Story
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As a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public non-profit, we have over 10 years experience in this area of impact surf trips that give back through volunteering.
The idea for WAVES originated on the beaches of northern Peru in late 2004, when a group of educated local and international surfers shared a desire to help local youth with little resources enjoy surfing. Each one had stories to tell of the stoke, culture, and richness that they had observed during the course of their travels in Peru. They dreamed of building consciousness into the surf travel experience, and empowering local surf communities.
Over the course of the next 3 years, WAVES formed a network of individuals, organizations, and institutions. In 2007, thanks to Global Surf Industries, and signed partnerships with the Peruvian Sports Institute and the Peruvian Surfing Federation, a shipping container of surfboards arrived in Peru. After two-week pilot programs in February and July of 2008, WAVES launched ongoing Impact Surf Travel and Educational Surf Programs in Lobitos, Peru that November. Since transferring management to locals in Northern Peru in 2014, opportunities for expansion have presented themselves to WAVES International through a series of partnerships.
WAVES now helps connect the dots between travelers, surf related grassroots initiatives and community members in Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico and Guatemala. Others partnerships are in the works; stay tuned!
The Impact Surf Travel Movement
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Impact Surf Travel is a different way to travel. Combining your passion to see the world with desire to make an impact is possible with WAVES. Contribute to community service activities, participate in cultural exchange and uniquely engage with locals while doing what you love: Surfing!
In addition, Impact Surf Travel provides coastal community members and their youth with remarkable surf experiences and a source of unique intercultural camaraderie.
What do we believe in?
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Water
Through adventure & water sports, locals develop a special relationship with the sea applying conservation activities in their daily lives.
Adventure
Through surfing, locals build confidence, stay healthy and foster meaningful relationships while enjoying the coast.
Voluntourism
Volunteers contribute to community service activities while enjoying doing what they love: surfing!
Education
WAVES helps coastal communities create educational opportunities for youth using their natural environment.
Sustainability
WAVES believes sustainability contains 4 aspects: ecological, social, political, and economic.
Our Chapters
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WAVES for Development has three main ‘offices’ around the world.
WAVES International
Umbrella Organization
WAVES International is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity (EIN: 26-1854683) that oversees the brand, recruitment and selection of travelers. It supports grassroots initiatives around the world.
WAVES Peru
Direct Service Provider
WAVES was born on the beaches of northern Peru in late 2004. Since then, we’ve successfully set up a local team to host and run our main impact surf trip.
WAVES Switzerland
Fundraising & Outreach
Though there are no ocean waves for surfing in Switzerland, WAVES has a chapter hosting local events to raise funds and spread awareness.
Share the stoke, support WAVES.
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Help us facilitate life-enriching experiences in coastal communities through Impact Surf Travel programs. Your donations support the team and this infrastructure for giving back.