The Surf Bus Foundation's mission is to empower people to have a healing connection to the sea through engaging in ocean sports like surfing, swimming and beach sports while discovering and exploring the mystery, wonder and beauty of the sea. Our teaching and mentoring provides knowledge and understanding that encourages a lifelong commitment to play, share, and protect our oceans for all to enjoy.
The SURF BUS FOUNDATION experience:
Based off the program of Surf Academy, a premier Surf Camp and our parent sponsor, the Surf Bus Children learn not only to maneuver the great tides and waves of the ocean, but of life. Through our educational and recreational development courses, they are able to connect with the natural environment, with positive role models, with each other, and most importantly with themselves - building a triad of healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. Nothing compares to seeing the difference this program has made in the lives of these children. For some, it is the first time they have ever stepped foot in the sand or even seen the ocean! They are happy, laughing, and experiencing a world beyond the city streets. For many, their experience with Surf Bus allows them to glimpse a future they never dreamed was possible. The groups have committed to joining us one day a week for 8 weeks over the summer, and are transported to and from a set location and time by a chartered SURF BUS!
The Surf Bus Foundation partners with established youth groups and programs such as the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Surf Bus Foundation’s staff ratio is 1:10 or less, with an ultimate ratio of 1:5 when combined with group’s visiting supervisors. A variety of activities are planned around the surf conditions of the day, fostering a heightened awareness of our relationship to our ocean, beaches, environment, and selves. Some activities include:
- Learn about rip currents and tides
- Learn about the waves and how to catch the ultimate ride
- Learn to Body Surf, Boogie Board, and Surf
- Learn about our affects on Environment and Polution
- Learn about local animals and sea creatures
- Building sand castles and other beach arts and crafts
- Exhausting beach and ocean games and exercises
- Team Building Games between peers, staff, and lifeguards
Unfortunately, none of this can happen without funding. It costs Surf Bus approximately $1000 to send just 50 children to the beach each day. The demand for expansion of our program has prompted us to set a fundraising goal of $1 million, double the budget for last year. The success of our program could not have been possible without the generous contributions made by individuals and corporate sponsors like you. So please accept this invitation to be a dreams-keeper by helping to spark the dreams and imaginations of at-risk youth, and giving them a real opportunity at having a bright future.
"The ocean is the great universal healing force of nature. Surfing and yoga teach how to transform fear and experience the flow of the power within us and in nature and have FUN in the process. LA Surf Bus offers a transforming life-changing experience for kids to awaken the power within them. All kids deserve to experience the healing power of the ocean in the summer."
- Shiva Rea (world renowned yogini and inspired surf enthusiast)
