Surf Stories, Photos & Videos | A blog for surfers, sliders, short boarders & log riders
Gabriel Villaran, Cabo Blanco, Northern Peru
WAVES for Development are continuing to do great things in Lobitos. One of the latest projects was to build a skate ramp so that the local kids could get into skateboarding. There was a recent competition where entrants won skate equipment. So now not only can the kids have access tothe surf, they also have access to skating too.
Watch out ASP and X Games, these kids are ripping!
The WAVES for Development website has been given a thorough overhaul by the guys over at Hungry Browser Limited. The site has been launched with improved design and functionality, both for users and content owners. Later additions will include a membership area as well as online volunteer applications. Check it out and let us know what you think!
After 5 weeks in Lobitos working with WAVES For Development the time finally came to say  goodbye! The WAVES team have been amazing, I’ve made some great friends and been inspired to do more volunteer work at some point in the near future. The kids and community are what put the magic in Lobitos. Forget the intermittent electricity and gas and no hot water, when you’ve got such amazing people around you who all want to help each other it is infectious! You can’t beat being stoked all day, everyday!
Big shouts out to Arli, Holggers, Dave, Sam, Brendan, Parko, Zoe, Paulina, Tale, Dario, Henry, Luis (x2), Cari, Sebastian, Roni, Alturo, and all the amazing kids who were part of the volunteer programme. Will miss you all.
PS: Oh yeah, and one last thing, the surf ripped!
We took a trip out to Punta Balcones (the most westerly point of South America) the other day on a little surf expedition. Unfortunately we didn’t score any decent surf but we did visit the sea lion colony!
We organised a little football tournament between the WAVES crew and the Lobitos locals with a grand prize of 40 Soles going to the winning team! The comp was held on the beach and everyone involved had a great time. Check out a few pics below!
Here’s a few pics of us helping out the local teachers with English classes. The kids are always stoked with a smile and full of enthusiasm!
A big thank you to all those who have put their hands in their pockets and shown their support for Waves For Development. I’ve managed to raise $535.00 so far, and am well on my way to reaching my $750.00 goal.
For those who haven’t stepped up yet, please do consider making a donation and helping support a very worthy cause! Please note that you will have to use a credit card rather than a debit card if you are donating from outside the USA.
CAPTURE: A WAVES Documentary dives deep into the impoverished community of Lobitos, Peru and the experience of surf travelers who dedicate their passion to the youth.
Sneak Peak: Rough Cut from Capture Doc on Vimeo.
WAVES for Development creates life-enriching experiences in coastal communities through Educational Surf programs. These programs help develop local youth into healthy & empowered adults. They also engage travellers & transform their world view and appreciation of local issues. WAVES relies on volunteers, contributors and charitable donations to help deliver these programs.
WAVES is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity in the state of New York, USA. Additionally, WAVES is a formalised not-for-profit association in Peru and Switzerland.
Photo © copyright WAVES for Development
In October 2010 I am taking two months off work and travelling to Lobitos in Northern Peru to help WAVES with the program. In the run up to my trip I am trying to raise funds and awareness for WAVES. That is where YOU come in.
Please help support WAVES by making a donation. Your money goes directly to WAVES (it doesn’t fund my trip) and helps them continue to carry out their important work within the communities of Northern Peru.
Here is what your donation can do:
All donations are greatly appreciated, no matter how small the amount is. Donating through First Giving is simple, fast and totally secure.
Many thanks for your support!
Ben
