Surfing is for everyone! What an incredible day at the Vans US Open of Surfing, where we activated with WSL PURE grantee Native Like Water and our amazing nonprofit partners, Stoked Org and City Surf Project, at the Vans Surf Camp!
Native Like Water (NLW) joined us on August 3rd and 4th to help integrate teens and adults from underrepresented populations into ocean recreation, conservation, wellness, and inter-generational cultural exploration. Their program emphasizes a sacred relationship to water from an Indigenous perspective, creating curated cultural conservation experiences and travel opportunities. NLW works to provide scholarships and support for endangered Indigenous communities, both internationally and in California. With the support of the WSL PURE grant, they are developing an Indigenous Narrative Ocean Stewardship Program to reintegrate youth and adults into ocean recreation and conservation.
Additionally, we're proud to partner with Stoked Org and City Surf Project, organizations dedicated to empowering youth through surfing and the ocean. Their programs not only teach essential surfing skills but also emphasize personal growth, community, and environmental stewardship.
"Indigenous coastal recreation encompasses a vast spectrum and is vital to survival. This is a great opportunity to be included in the collective shift from destructive invasive species to the restoration of native species and habitat. Our inclusion is essential for a thriving ecosystem. Healthy regeneration is slowly on the rebound, and I am content that Native Like Water is part of this," said Marc Chavez, Executive Director of Native Like Water.
Together, we're making waves for positive change and ensuring that surfing truly is for everyone!
Learn more about the local impact efforts in the article linked here, "Surfing and Protecting Orange County's Coast".