Surf & Volunteer in Lobitos

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Experience surf travel done differently. Surf great waves while interacting with the local customs, history, and the environmental issues as a volunteer.

 

APPLY NOW

Lobitos is a small surfing town on the desert coast of Northern of Peru. With year-round swells, miles of empty coastline and breaks to choose from, plus friendly locals and thriving culture this is Peru’s hidden little gem.

Live Beyond The Surf

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Find deeper meaning to your surf trip by volunteering alongside the local Peruvian people while experiencing an unfiltered look into the everyday culture and life.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

WAVES believes in empowering community members, youth in particular, to pursue education activities so they set career goals and live healthy lives.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Environmental Health program is designed to create a supportive environment – through sustainable construction, water systems, recycling, beach clean ups and a Marine Protected Area.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMPOWERMENT

WAVES aims to mentor community members without access to financial services and business guidance, to generate economic activity through socially minded micro-enterprises.

STEP 1

Contact us to receive for information about the trip and apply.

STEP 2

Fill out application and include an optional resume or CV.

STEP 3

Wait to hear back regarding your submission and move along with payment and scheduling details about your volunteer surf trip.

Lobitos, Peru

A small fishing, surfing town on the coast of Northern of Peru, home to just under 1,000 people. The town is frequently described by traveling surfers as one of the safest and cleanest places they have visited in Peru. Expect great surf and welcoming locals.

HOMESTAY

During your time here you will live in the WAVES house with other staff and volunteers, sharing cooking, cleaning and good food together as a community. Depending on the time of your visit you will share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers.

PROGRAMS

Your involvement will vary based on the skills and experience you bring to Lobitos. Commonly, travelers contribute to one or more of WAVES’ ongoing education programs in the following areas:

English Language Teaching, Environmental Education, Surf & Swim Classes, Social Entrepreneurship, and Community Outreach.

PROJECTS

Projects will vary based on your skills and interests and the needs in the community at the time of your visit. Past volunteer projects have included: community beach clean ups, construction of a skate ramp, a skate competition, music classes, participatory documentary film-making and photography, design and construction of a surf shack, environmental curriculum development, educational movie nights and a recycling art project.

PACKAGE
  • Accommodation
  • Three delicious meals per day
  • Access to WAVES’ selection of surfboards during your service
  • Weekly Volunteers’ Surfing Class
  • Participation in one locally guided excursion every two weeks such as cave visits and camping surf-trips.
  • Health and safety management (risk assessments, emergency contacts, first-aid trained staff and first aid kit)
  • Project management from local and international staff
  • Contribution to local staff salaries
  • Internet access

 

SURF REPORT

With near constant offshore winds and few crowds, northern Peru really is a surfer’s paradise. Lobitos is uniquely positioned to receive swells from both directions, is rarely flat, and often pumping.

With options to surf heavy barrels at el Hueco, the Point sucking and peeling for hundreds of meters, and additional quality lefts at Muelles and Piscinas, there are uncrowded options for everyone. It is the sort of place where you can get surfed out every day! For beginners, the protected inside of the Lobitos point has mellow waves offering ideal learning conditions.

CONDITIONS

The water temperature ranges from 16°C, 61°F in July up to a balmy 24°C, 75°F in February, with your wetsuit needs varying from a full length 3/2 steamer to board shorts.

  • "I knew it that I was in the right place. The days were pure fun, a good swell hit Lobitos and we surfed fun waves everyday. Besides that, I helped Javier with the Mini ramp and went to surf and English classes to help the teachers and get in touch with the kids and the community."

    Caio Antunes

  • WAVES is a once in a lifetime experience! This is a small place, off the beaten path. A place where you can learn about others and about yourself. You have the opportunity to experience the local culture of a small town by actually becoming part of the community.

    Jillian

  • "A great alternative to the Me, Me, Me surf trip: connecting with locals while teaching and learning. Surfing perfect waves in a remote location, but having the company and camaraderie of being part of a team with a goal."

    Coll Faragher

  • "This is a fantastic way not only to get surf on a fantastic secluded coast, but also to get to really understand the culture and people of a poor fishing town. You get to interact every day with the townspeople and learn about a way of life that is probably foreign to most."

    Will Moritz

  • "Expect an encouraging experience with dedicated community leaders, working hard to improve education, increase awareness, and make a difference in the local community. It's a great atmosphere for teamwork and cooperation. There will be plenty of fun and laughter, too."

    Jeremy Koons

  • "The accommodation was really good and defiantly added to my experience. The food was delicious and gave me a "real" experience of living in Peru." I loved that WAVES offered two weeks and was affordable, as most volunteer experiences are expensive or you don't have enough time off to fulfill them."

    Brian Loesch

  • "As I left Lobitos this time, it was with a quiet but irrepressible sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that Henry will continue to fuel this creative cycle, amplifying and sharing the story of his town and WAVES—the organization that has brought so many good people there to teach and to learn."

    Forest Woodward

  • "I walk away with from this feeling like so much has happened, so much was achieved and there are so many stories to tell and a lot of great experiences to share. Lobitos is a lovely, growing desert village with an interesting historical background, friendly people and lots to offer."

    Raffael Schmidt