SurfAid

I went to the Surfrider San Diego Chapter Meeting last week at UTC Forum Hall and we had a speaker give us a presentation about SurfAid International. This is a non-​profit humanitarian organization that’s mission is to «significantly improve the health, well being and self-​reliance of communities in remote geographical locations connected to surfing.»
What all that basically means is that some surfers caught some awesome waves off the coast of western Sumatra, Indonesia and decided to help out the locals-​big time. Off of Mentawai and Nias islands-​which are geographically-​isolated archipelagos off Indonesia-​there is a high prevalence of easily treatable and preventable diseases and health conditions. Some compassionate surfers saw this and are doing something about it.
SurfAid has field programs based on Community Health which aims to reduce infant mortality, improve access to clean water, provide hygiene education, sanitation, malaria reduction and improved nutrition.
They also train for emergency preparedness and implementation of programs that address disaster management-​especially important because this area of the world is heavily impacted by both frequent earthquakes and tsunami’s.
SurfAid also promotes educational programs to develop global citizenship and respect for the native flora and fauna of the regions. These beaches and surf breaks off Indonesia’s West Sumatran coastline offer some of the most perfect surfing conditions in all the world. The people who inhabit the region are proud but suffer overwhelmingly from 3^rd world illnesses-​that with some educational assistance-​are easily preventable. That is where SurfAid comes in.
The SurfAid talk at the Surfrider San Diego Chapter meeting was a real eye-​opener. Surfers who travel the world in search of the perfect wave want to help out where they can. It is important that SurfAid be seen as working in conjunction with the local communities in order to empower them to foster solutions.
Yes-​there are amazing waves in Indonesia, the scenery is breath-​taking, the line-​ups are uncrowded, but perceptive observers also note there exists areas of need. This Encinitas-​based group is right here to offer a hand up, not a hand out!