WAVES creates life enriching experiences in coastal communities by combining Educational Surf programs that develop youth into healthy & empowered adults with Surf Voluntourism programs that engage travelers & transform their world view. Our community-based education programs promote: + Cultural Exchange and Understanding + Environmental Conservation + Life Skills/Healthy Living + Social Entrepreneurship + Sustainable Tourism
On the beaches of northern Peru in 2006 a group of people from all over the world with a sense of social justice wanted to give back to Peru. The high cost of surfboards made it prohibitive for the locals of Lobitos to surf the world class waves. Digging deeper, we listened. Limited opportunities, poor education, and low self esteem spoke volumes. We asked surfboard manufacturers for help - some surfboards for the local kids. Our group of educated surfers with international development experience would create programs to go with them. Global Surf Industries responded. Soon after, donated boards were on their way and together with the community we were creating an ongoing infrastructure for visiting surfers to get involved. Enter WAVES. In 2007 WAVES for Development Peru was formed. The next year WAVES Switzerland and WAVES International followed. Today we're surviving long enough until we get the big break.
