Facebook  Twitter  V  You Tube 

SurfAid Launches New Website

Tuesday, March 08, 2011


Non-profit humanitarian organisation, SurfAid International, today announced the launch of their new website

SurfAid is now into its 12th year of work in the remote island chain off Sumatra, Indonesia, after being started by a group of concerned surfers in 2000. ...read more




Non-profit humanitarian organisation, SurfAid International, today announced the launch of their new website

SurfAid is now into its 12th year of work in the remote island chain off Sumatra, Indonesia, after being started by a group of concerned surfers in 2000.

The new website includes details of all SurfAid’s programs plus blogs, video links and high quality photos from their field work.

The site also outlines how you can take action to support SurfAid.

You can also subscribe to receive email updates on SurfAid news and join their Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo accounts.

The site was built in collaboration with Kirrily Dear and her team at Eyes Wide Open, a leading strategy, marketing and management consultancy.




About SurfAid
SurfAid International is a non-profit humanitarian organisation whose aim is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated communities connected to us through surfing.

Media Inquiries: Kirk Willcox, SurfAid Marketing / Communications Director
E: kirk@surfaidinternational.org    W: + 61 2 9965 7325    M: + 61 407 063 829

Send this link to a friend I surfaidinternational.org I surfaidschools.org
SurfAid International, P.O Box 630, North Sydney, NSW, 2059 Australia
E: news@surfaidinternational.org    P: + 61 2 9965 7325    F: + 61 2 8920 1621

SurfAid Launches New Website


Non-profit humanitarian organisation, SurfAid International, today announced the launch of their new website

SurfAid is now into its 12th year of work in the remote island chain off Sumatra, Indonesia, after being started by a group of concerned surfers in 2000. ...read more

Read More...

Dr Dave Jenkins Hosts 'Surfing Suits' Parties in Melbourne & Brisbane

Friday, October 15, 2010



SurfAid International, in conjunction with Quiksilver and GBST, will be presenting its annual Surfing Suits event program in November to bring together surfers and supporters from the business communities of Australia to celebrate SurfAid’s achievement in 10 years of humanitarian work.  ...read more





SurfAid International, in conjunction with Quiksilver and GBST, will be presenting its annual Surfing Suits event program in November to bring together surfers and supporters from the business communities of Australia to celebrate SurfAid’s achievement in 10 years of humanitarian work.

Hosted by SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins, and joined by friends and supporters, the Surfing Suits events will be held in Melbourne Wednesday 10th November at The Red Hummingbird and in Brisbane Wednesday 17th November at The Normanby Hotel.
The parties will generate awareness of SurfAid’s program achievements and initiatives and provide an opportunity for corporate supporters to contribute to SurfAid’s ongoing community development work.

Founded in 2000, SurfAid is a non-profit, humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated communities connected to us through surfing.

SurfAid works hand-in-hand with the communities of the Mentawai and Nias islands, off Indonesia’s Sumatran coast, where more than 70 per cent of each population lives below the poverty line.

SurfAid’s research shows that nearly one in 10 Mentawai children do not make it to the age of five. This is 15 times the death rate of developed countries where, on average, there are six deaths for every 1,000 live births.

The scope of SurfAid’s work has increased from malaria prevention to encompass community health programs, including water and sanitation projects, and disaster preparedness and relief.

In 2007, SurfAid was awarded the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO) Humanitarian Award, after being chosen from more than 49,000 not-for-profits worldwide.

“SurfAid has always been about creating lasting change, not patch-ups which don’t work for long,” Dr Dave Jenkins said. “When it comes to helping more kids not only survive, but thrive and reach their potential, we are unashamedly ambitious and we are now ready to take our work to more villages and new areas where there is great need,” he said.

“By holding the Surfing Suits events we hope to solidify our support base to make an even greater impact by bringing together the people from Australia’s business communities who hold a common interest in surfing and giving back.”

Principle Sponsor Quiksilver and Dr Dave will host the Melbourne Surfing Suits party on the evening of Wednesday 10th of November at the Red Hummingbird, serving up live entertainment and complimentary bites sponsored by Karoon Gas.
Principle Sponsor GBST and Dr Dave will host the Brisbane Surfing Suits party on the evening of Wednesday 17th of November at the Normanby Hotel again serving up live entertainment and complimentary bites and beers.

Both events will provide an opportunity to bid in live and silent auctions for a Stacey Board, a shortboard SolidRacks Rack, Firewire boards painted by Mark Sutherland and Katherine Hall, Dragon Sunglasses and Patagonia packs.
Come and join SurfAid’s closest friends, supporters and surfing legends to celebrate and support SurfAid’s work.

Entry via note donation at the door – RSVP details on website: www.surfaidinternational.org

Media Contacts:
Jo Lynas
SurfAid International Development Manager
W: (02) 9965 7325
E: jo@surfaidinternational.org

Dr Dave Jenkins Hosts 'Surfing Suits' Parties in Melbourne & Brisbane



SurfAid International, in conjunction with Quiksilver and GBST, will be presenting its annual Surfing Suits event program in November to bring together surfers and supporters from the business communities of Australia to celebrate SurfAid’s achievement in 10 years of humanitarian work.  ...read more

Read More...

No Leash Required

Monday, August 23, 2010

A Benefit for SurfAid International kicks off the MSA Classic Surfing Contest Gala gourmet wine and food event honors Steven Lippman’s Blue Project.
 
August 23, 2010, Malibu, CA - Two days before the first breakers in the annual MSA Classic, hundreds of longboard and music fans will crowd into the Malibu Wines tasting room for ‘No Leash Required!’ -- an evening of fine dining, fine wine and great music to benefit SurfAid International.
 
Actress/singer Nia Peeples and writer/surfing guru Sam George host the gala, which features tastings of Malibu Wines, gourmet eats from Cal-Fresco, a live auction and raffle, as well as live performances by Brett Dennen, Everest and DJ Jacques. Proceeds go to SurfAid International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated island regions of Sumatra. ...read more



A Benefit for SurfAid International kicks off the MSA Classic Surfing Contest Gala gourmet wine and food event honors Steven Lippman’s Blue Project.
 
August 23, 2010, Malibu, CA - Two days before the first breakers in the annual MSA Classic, hundreds of longboard and music fans will crowd into the Malibu Wines tasting room for ‘No Leash Required!’ -- an evening of fine dining, fine wine and great music to benefit SurfAid International.
 
Actress/singer Nia Peeples and writer/surfing guru Sam George host the gala, which features tastings of Malibu Wines, gourmet eats from Cal-Fresco, a live auction and raffle, as well as live performances by Brett Dennen, Everest and DJ Jacques. Proceeds go to SurfAid International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated island regions of Sumatra.

SurfAid International founder, New Zealand-born physician David Jenkins, will attend the event. "I am so gratified that SurfAid’s mission continues to resonate for people around the world," Jenkins said, "especially those who value the oceans. That’s what the Malibu Surf Association is all about. Southern California is one of the great surfing regions, and I always love coming back. So this will be a great way to celebrate 10 years of SurfAid."

The event will also honor Malibu artist/photographer and surfer Steven Lippman and his Blue Project. Lippman created The Blue Project to showcase innovative organizations like SurfAid in order to sound the alarm over the world’s fast-disappearing natural habitats. www.malibublueproject.org

Folk-pop singer favorite Brett Dennen co-headlines the evening’s entertainment. The California native has released three well-received studio albums over the last four years, leading Rolling Stone Magazine to label him one of "10 Artists to Watch" in 2007.  Also appearing, the LA based quintet Everest, which recently toured with Minus the Bear and Neil Young.  Everest is a great American rock ‘n’ roll band in the classic, open-minded mold, something apparent on their sophomore Warner Bros. Records release, On Approach.

The live auction and raffle includes handcrafted and signed surfboards, Indonesian top-end teak flooring, designer jewellery, clothing and artistic donations from noted California artist/musician Jose’ Pasillas. Sponsors for the evening include Smashbox Studios, Malibu Magazine, Fiji Water, Mighty Leaf Teas, Groundwork Coffee, DaKine, Paul Mitchell, ZJ Boarding House, Dogeared Jewelry, Malibu Times, Ron Herman, IndoTeak, The Mayan and many more.

Date: Thursday 9 September 2010
Time: 7 – 10 pm
Location: Malibu Wines Tasting Room, 31740 Mulholland Highway, Malibu
Tickets: $60 at door, $50 pre-sale
RSVP: surfaidinternational.org/you-can-help/no-leash-required.html
Contact: Teresa Earle
Tel: 310/5297718
Email: teresaearle7@yahoo.com

No Leash Required

A Benefit for SurfAid International kicks off the MSA Classic Surfing Contest Gala gourmet wine and food event honors Steven Lippman’s Blue Project.
 
August 23, 2010, Malibu, CA - Two days before the first breakers in the annual MSA Classic, hundreds of longboard and music fans will crowd into the Malibu Wines tasting room for ‘No Leash Required!’ -- an evening of fine dining, fine wine and great music to benefit SurfAid International.
 
Actress/singer Nia Peeples and writer/surfing guru Sam George host the gala, which features tastings of Malibu Wines, gourmet eats from Cal-Fresco, a live auction and raffle, as well as live performances by Brett Dennen, Everest and DJ Jacques. Proceeds go to SurfAid International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated island regions of Sumatra. ...read more

Read More...

Mitchell Claims 9th Molokai-2-Oahu

Sunday, July 25, 2010

MITCHELL CLAIMS 9TH MOLOKAI-2-OAHU WORLD PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP DUNCAN-SERAPHIN CLAIMS 8TH WOMEN'S TITLE

Treacherous Channel Dishes out Trademark Highs & Heartbreak Maui's Kalama & Moller Take Stand-Up Paddle Honors
 
HONOLULU (July 25, 2010) -- Australian Jamie Mitchell, 33, claimed an unprecedented ninth Molokai-2-Oahu World Paddleboard title in Hawaii today, completing the 32-mile distance just four minutes outside of his own record in a time of 4 hours, 52 minutes and 45 seconds. His record of 4:48:23, set in 2007, stands for another year. Mitchell attributed today's convincing win to experience in Hawaiian waters that allowed him to overcome an uncooperative ocean of disorganized  swells. And if Mitchell is the 'King of Paddleboard', then Hawaii's Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin, 34, is the 'Queen', claiming her 8th Molokai-2-Oahu title in a time of 6:02:45 - less than 10 minutes shy of the record she set in 2004. ...read more



MITCHELL CLAIMS 9TH MOLOKAI-2-OAHU WORLD PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP DUNCAN-SERAPHIN CLAIMS 8TH WOMEN'S TITLE

Treacherous Channel Dishes out Trademark Highs & Heartbreak Maui's Kalama & Moller Take Stand-Up Paddle Honors
 
HONOLULU (July 25, 2010) -- Australian Jamie Mitchell, 33, claimed an unprecedented ninth Molokai-2-Oahu World Paddleboard title in Hawaii today, completing the 32-mile distance just four minutes outside of his own record in a time of 4 hours, 52 minutes and 45 seconds. His record of 4:48:23, set in 2007, stands for another year. Mitchell attributed today's convincing win to experience in Hawaiian waters that allowed him to overcome an uncooperative ocean of disorganized  swells. And if Mitchell is the 'King of Paddleboard', then Hawaii's Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin, 34, is the 'Queen', claiming her 8th Molokai-2-Oahu title in a time of 6:02:45 - less than 10 minutes shy of the record she set in 2004.

In the men's division, it was 1-2-3 for Australia with Jackson English, (5:07:54) in second, and Joel Mason (5:15:42) in third. Fourth-placed Mikey Cote was the top placing Hawaii paddler (5:15:42). Beyond the finish line, Mitchell and English were paddling today to raise funds for SurfAid International. Their impressive 1-2 finish will likely see them surpass their $10,000 target.

"You had to really work for everything you got out there," said Mitchell. "The wind seemed a little more out of the north, meaning a lot of of disorganization out there so you had to really work through the bumps.

"There was no real current, but the wind and the swell just made it hard. It was definitely not the hardest one I've done, but it wasn't the best one, either, maybe 6 out of 10."

Duncan-Seraphin was perhaps a little more forgiving: "It was  a fairly fast course, but it was technical. The bumps were very close together and you really had to stay focused. I love this race and this was my 10th (year doing it). I'm just stoked to finish. I felt like I had a great race today. This was one of my top 3 performances."

Victory in the stand-up paddle (SUP) men's and women's divisions went to Maui's Dave Kalama (4:54:15) and Andrea Moller (6:00:00), both setting records for their  respective divisions. Stand-up paddlers can be faster across the channel than the traditional paddleboarders, as standing upright with the wind at your back, and using a paddle can be of assistance. Kalama was roughly two minutes behind Mitchell, and Moller was two minutes faster than Duncan-Seraphin. Today's rough surface conditions were a particular test of balance for the SUP contestants.

"There are a lot of really good sprinters, but I'm not one of them, so the windy races are what I train for and that's what I'm built for," said Kalama. "I'm really happy I won. Last year was really frustrating and to comeback and win it means everything."
 
Above: Jamie Mitchell. Credit: Bernie Baker.
In the men's division, it was 1-2-3 for Australia with Jackson English, (5:07:54) in second, and Joel Mason (5:15:42) in third. Fourth-placed Mikey Cote was the top placing Hawaii paddler (5:15:42). Beyond the finish line, Mitchell and English were paddling today to raise funds for SurfAid International. Their impressive 1-2 finish will likely see them surpass their $10,000 target.

"You had to really work for everything you got out there," said Mitchell. "The wind seemed a little more out of the north, meaning a lot of of disorganization out there so you had to really work through the bumps.

"There was no real current, but the wind and the swell just made it hard. It was definitely not the hardest one I've done, but it wasn't the best one, either, maybe 6 out of 10."

Duncan-Seraphin was perhaps a little more forgiving: "It was  a fairly fast course, but it was technical. The bumps were very close together and you really had to stay focused. I love this race and this was my 10th (year doing it). I'm just stoked to finish. I felt like I had a great race today. This was one of my top 3 performances."

Victory in the stand-up paddle (SUP) men's and women's divisions went to Maui's Dave Kalama (4:54:15) and Andrea Moller (6:00:00), both setting records for their  respective divisions. Stand-up paddlers can be faster across the channel than the traditional paddleboarders, as standing upright with the wind at your back, and using a paddle can be of assistance. Kalama was roughly two minutes behind Mitchell, and Moller was two minutes faster than Duncan-Seraphin. Today's rough surface conditions were a particular test of balance for the SUP contestants.

"There are a lot of really good sprinters, but I'm not one of them, so the windy races are what I train for and that's what I'm built for," said Kalama. "I'm really happy I won. Last year was really frustrating and to comeback and win it means everything."
 
Credit: Bernie Baker
Above: Dave Kalama (L) & Jamie Mitchell (R)
Renowned as one of the most treacherous bodies of water in the world, the Molokai Channel upheld its reputation today dishing out either high times or heartbreak. One hundred and fifty paddlers started out today, eight did not officially finish. Among the eight were 2009 runner-up Brian Rocheleau (Hawaii), who was forced to withdraw part-way through the race due to severe illness. Mark Matheson (Hawaii), the only paraplegic to ever undertake the famous Molokai Channel crossing, found himself on a sure course to finish today, but lost his mandatory escort boat to engine failure with 10 miles remaining and was forced to call it a day. Kauai's Ann Hettinger, 52 and the oldest woman to SUP solo across the channel, had to withdraw after 11 miles when the steering rudder on her paddleboard failed.

But like every channel swell, every trough has a peak, and it was high times for many paddlers who accomplished personal bests today. Among them were 12-year-old Riggs Napoleon (Hawaii, 7:10:30), the youngest person to ever cross the Molokai channel on any unmotorized watercraft; and Jeff Denholm (California, 7:49:10), an inspirational athlete who designs his own prosthetics and then puts them to the ultimate stress tests in a variety of sports. Denholm, 43, lost an arm to an accident on a fishing boat off the coast of Alaska more than a decade ago, but never allowed it to undermine his athletically driven lifestyle. He crossed the Molokai Channel last year in spite of his prosthetic glue giving out on him. Today he posted a personal best of 7:49:10 and vowed to return even faster in 2011.

"I jumped up to an 18-footer today and I wrestled it the whole way and had a hard time, but the arm was a bomber!" said Denholm. "So just one more piece of the puzzle: if I can figure out a board that matches what I can do then I'll be faster. It was humbling as usual. My arm worked great, the crew was strong, but I just got on a board that I couldn't handle. I was paddling sideways the whole time.  I was more sideways then I was straight! But I'll be back."
 
COMPLETE RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT MOLOKAI2OAHU.COM or pseresults.com
(Full list of official results not available at time of issue)
MAJOR PLACINGS:
Men's Traditional Paddleboard.
1st. Jamie Mitchell (Australia) - 4:52:45
2nd. Jackson English (Australia) - 5:07:54
3rd. Joel Mason (Australia) - 5:15:42
4th. Mikey Cote (Hawaii) - 5:17:56
Women's Traditional Paddleboard:
1st. Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin (Hawaii) - 6:02:45
Men's Stand-Up Paddleboard:
1st. Dave Kalama (Hawaii) - 4:54:15
Women's Stand-Up Paddleboard:
1st. Andrea Moller (Hawaii) - 6:00:00
Media Contact:
Jodi Wilmott, Ocean Promotion

Mitchell Claims 9th Molokai-2-Oahu

MITCHELL CLAIMS 9TH MOLOKAI-2-OAHU WORLD PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP DUNCAN-SERAPHIN CLAIMS 8TH WOMEN'S TITLE

Treacherous Channel Dishes out Trademark Highs & Heartbreak Maui's Kalama & Moller Take Stand-Up Paddle Honors
 
HONOLULU (July 25, 2010) -- Australian Jamie Mitchell, 33, claimed an unprecedented ninth Molokai-2-Oahu World Paddleboard title in Hawaii today, completing the 32-mile distance just four minutes outside of his own record in a time of 4 hours, 52 minutes and 45 seconds. His record of 4:48:23, set in 2007, stands for another year. Mitchell attributed today's convincing win to experience in Hawaiian waters that allowed him to overcome an uncooperative ocean of disorganized  swells. And if Mitchell is the 'King of Paddleboard', then Hawaii's Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin, 34, is the 'Queen', claiming her 8th Molokai-2-Oahu title in a time of 6:02:45 - less than 10 minutes shy of the record she set in 2004. ...read more

Read More...

Paddle Round The Pier

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

PADDLE ROUND THE PIER 2010 FESTIVAL RAISES OVER THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS FOR CHARITY

Paddle Round the Pier – Europe’s largest annual free beach festival, held in Brighton on 3rd and 4th July 2010 - has once again been declared a resounding success with over 40,000 visitors to the festival over the two days and in excess of £35,000 raised for its three nominated charities, which this year were Royal National Lifeboat Institute, SurfAid International and Whoopsadaisy. ...read more



PADDLE ROUND THE PIER 2010 FESTIVAL RAISES OVER THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS FOR CHARITY

Paddle Round the Pier – Europe’s largest annual free beach festival, held in Brighton on 3rd and 4th July 2010 - has once again been declared a resounding success with over 40,000 visitors to the festival over the two days and in excess of £35,000 raised for its three nominated charities, which this year were Royal National Lifeboat Institute, SurfAid International and Whoopsadaisy.

Over 150 surfers, paddle boarders, kayakers and general enthusiasts entered the official Paddle Round the Pier event on Sunday and braved strong onshore wind and waves to compete in the headline event of the weekend. Earlier in the day, 25 teams completed in the Paddle Something Usual event, with Vardean School eventually winning on their dolphin adventure craft. And on Saturday, Eric Terrien from France won the 12/6 Board Stock Class of the Funky Puffin Euro Endro SUP race, in 3 hours 34 minutes, with Bobby Thatcher the winner of the Unlimited Board Class coming in at 3 hours and 24 minutes, whilst Glenn Eldridge won the Surf Life Saving GB: British Surf Ski race in just 1 hour 11 minutes.

The 40,000 visitors to the festival were greeted by brilliant sunshine, great music, a great range of outdoor adventure and extreme sport demonstrations and over 200 exhibitors – selling everything from food to surf accessories, bicycles to clothing.  Sunday afternoon saw over £12,000 in gifts donated by exhibitors and local businesses raffled off to visitors. Throughout the weekend, the celebrated ‘big top’ hosted some of the best local and UK bands including The Railing Stains, Boy Com, Jo Harman Project, Los Albertos, Red Jackson and Transformer.
 
Says Dave Samuel, event director: “Paddle Round the Pier has been going for over a decade now and every year it just gets better. This year, the sun came out for the entire weekend and the crowds loved it! Special thanks must go out to all those who came to the festival, entered the many races, enjoyed the sun and supported all these worthy causes with their very generous donations. I would also like to thank the residents of Brighton and Hove for once again welcoming us so warmly and the Brighton and Hove City Council for their continued support.  Finally, thanks to the exhibitors and the Paddle crew – a team of over 30 volunteers, who year after year, selflessly give up their time to help make this happen.  It couldn’t happen without them and I’m incredibly grateful to them. The preparations for 2011 begin today!”

The organisers of Paddle Round the Pier are already looking for sponsors for the 2011 event. For further sponsorship details please contact Dave Samuel, event director on sandals@paddleroundthepier.com

Exhibitor quotes:

Andrew Scott-Miller, Director of Funky Puffin:

“Paddle Round the Pier was well organised and had a really great vibe. What a way to kick off the Summer It's always good to get off the rock (Funky Puffin is based in Jersey) and we all had a chilled out weekend!"

Chris Thomson, Managing Director of Errant Surf:

"This year's Paddle Round the Pier was a massive success. This is our number one event in the Errant Surf calendar. It’s superb mix of city, beach and ocean all in the spirit of raising cash and awareness for three worthy charities. Errant will definitely be returning to the shores of Brighton in 2011 for a bigger and better Paddle Round the Pier."

Phil Ryan and Jim Osler, The Brunswick Pub:

Phil: “We’re delighted to be involved with Paddle again and helping to raise so much money for charity. For something to be of this scale, with free entry with so much for the whole family and all for charity is phenomenal. It’s a very attractive event and good exposure for small businesses. We sponsor the music stage and ran the bars including a real ale bar and mojito bar with 35% of our bar takings donated to the nominated charities.”

Jim: “Paddle Round The Pier is the largest free music festival in the country and an outstanding event for the whole of Brighton.  It's right on our doorstep so we’re able to actively advertise our music and events as well as helping to raise a lot of money for charity.”

Gemma Sparks, West Sussex Party Marquees:

“Paddle Round The Pier was an outstanding event with so much going on for everyone. It is always an excellent event for the charities involved and as a sponsor we were very proud to be there.”

Louize Kinsella, DC Leisure:

“This was a totally awesome weekend working in the heart of the city at an event that brought the whole community together. It is these kinds of events that put the fun back into fitness and get more people more active more often. A massive hat’s off to Dave and all his team, we were proud to be part of a fantastic weekend.”

Councillor David Smith, Brighton & Hove City Council - Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism – responsible for culture, arts and heritage; tourism and marketing; libraries and museums; events and leisure, sports and recreation.

“I thought it was a very good, well organised event. The weather was superb and I am sure the thousands of people who visited the ‘Paddle Round the Pier Village’ thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There was entertainment & events for all age groups. Another great success.”

Paul Spiers, founder, Wave Native:

“This was our first Paddle Round the Pier and we were blown away by the enthusiasm and passion Dave and his team have. It was great to be part of it, seeing thousands of people coming together to enjoy the sun and support some very worthy charities. And, watching the race itself was fantastic. We’ll be back!”

Paddle Round The Pier

PADDLE ROUND THE PIER 2010 FESTIVAL RAISES OVER THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS FOR CHARITY

Paddle Round the Pier – Europe’s largest annual free beach festival, held in Brighton on 3rd and 4th July 2010 - has once again been declared a resounding success with over 40,000 visitors to the festival over the two days and in excess of £35,000 raised for its three nominated charities, which this year were Royal National Lifeboat Institute, SurfAid International and Whoopsadaisy. ...read more

Read More...

Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Famed Artists Aaron Chang and Wade Koniakowsky Open the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery to Great Acclaim
 
SOLANA BEACH, CA—Award-winning photographer, Aaron Chang has partnered with distinguished artist, Wade Koniakowsky to launch the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery. More than 450 guests attended the Grand Opening, which took place from 6-9 p.m. on July 10th at 415 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach.

According to Aaron Chang, “It was exciting to see the turnout for our opening. I was stoked with the beautiful vibe in the Gallery –– the joy was contagious.” ...read more



Famed Artists Aaron Chang and Wade Koniakowsky Open the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery to Great Acclaim
 
SOLANA BEACH, CA—Award-winning photographer, Aaron Chang has partnered with distinguished artist, Wade Koniakowsky to launch the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery. More than 450 guests attended the Grand Opening, which took place from 6-9 p.m. on July 10th at 415 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach.

According to Aaron Chang, “It was exciting to see the turnout for our opening. I was stoked with the beautiful vibe in the Gallery –– the joy was contagious.”

Showcased at the event were many of the finest pieces produced by each of the owners including a collaboration surfboard crafted by renowned shaper John Carper, hand painted by Wade Koniakowsky, and inlaid with original photographs by Aaron Chang. According to Carper, “It is the most beautiful surfboard I have ever seen.” Within minutes of the unveiling, the masterpiece P.B.U. board was sold to a private collector and a portion of proceeds were donated to Surf Aid International.
 

Throughout the evening, a number of selected Artist Proofs were purchased by local collectors, making the event a huge success for the entire Ocean Art Gallery team. Adding to the ambiance was live music by Benjamin Myers, complimentary appetizers, and autographed commemorative books.

"The grand opening was all we wanted it to be,” says Gallery Co-Owner Wade Koniakowsky. “We were stoked to share our vision for a Gallery that pays tribute to the ocean."

The new Gallery, located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, is open to the public Monday through Thursday 10 to 6, Friday and Saturday 10 to 8, and Sunday noon to 5. On permanent display are Wade’s selected oil paintings, reflecting his unique ability to incorporate the soul of the tropics into mystical works of unforgettable artistry. Guests can also view Aaron’s exotic images collected from a lifetime of traveling, from the waves of Tahiti to the deserts of Africa. All featured art is available for purchase.

In the near future, both artists anticipate hosting workshops to inspire young artists and partnering with non-profits that focus on the areas of Ocean Environmentalism, Humanitarian and Education.

According to Wade, “Our goal is that anyone who walks into our Gallery should instantly ‘experience’ the ocean.”

For more information, call 858.345.1880

Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery

Famed Artists Aaron Chang and Wade Koniakowsky Open the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery to Great Acclaim
 
SOLANA BEACH, CA—Award-winning photographer, Aaron Chang has partnered with distinguished artist, Wade Koniakowsky to launch the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery. More than 450 guests attended the Grand Opening, which took place from 6-9 p.m. on July 10th at 415 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach.

According to Aaron Chang, “It was exciting to see the turnout for our opening. I was stoked with the beautiful vibe in the Gallery –– the joy was contagious.” ...read more

Read More...

SurfAid and Walu Collaborate in Nias and PNG

Friday, July 09, 2010

SurfAid International granted the newly formed Walu International an experience that will help proliferate their impact in villages in Papua New Guinea.

SurfAid gave Walu an inside look on how Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is being properly implemented on the island of Nias, off North Sumatra, Indonesia, with the objective of helping expedite the impact that Walu will have as an organization.

CLTS empowers villagers to arrive at a sanitation solution on their own, after realizing their current practices are harmful to their health. Since the ideas are locally generated, people have a sense of ownership over the projects and can create their own solutions. In the case of CLTS the first step is to encourage community members to construct un-subsidized latrines, using local resources, thus increasing the likelihood of success. ...read more



SurfAid International granted the newly formed Walu International an experience that will help proliferate their impact in villages in Papua New Guinea.

SurfAid gave Walu an inside look on how Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is being properly implemented on the island of Nias, off North Sumatra, Indonesia, with the objective of helping expedite the impact that Walu will have as an organization.

CLTS empowers villagers to arrive at a sanitation solution on their own, after realizing their current practices are harmful to their health. Since the ideas are locally generated, people have a sense of ownership over the projects and can create their own solutions. In the case of CLTS the first step is to encourage community members to construct un-subsidized latrines, using local resources, thus increasing the likelihood of success.

Walu founder Zack Parker takes notes from SurfAid at a Nias well.   Download Hi-Res photo
Walu International spent a week tracking the components of successful SurfAid projects, both in the office and in the field. With the help of the SurfAid staff in Nias, Walu was able to participate in the CLTS process from beginning to end. This first-hand involvement proved invaluable for Walu because they now have a vivid picture of what success looks like from the village perspective. Beginning with the end in mind is an important step in development and with the help of SurfAid staff, Walu is seeing the finish line much clearer.

Currently, one in six children who die in Papua New Guinea, die from sanitary-related issues - almost 90 per cent of which are preventable. Getting rid of these alarming statistics is what first drove the creation of Walu International. By studying the processes of SurfAid, Walu hopes to emulate some of SurfAid’s successes in a different location with different challenges.

This November, Walu International will be heading back to the villages of Papua New Guinea armed with the right resources to make a lasting impact. Walu will be implementing its first round of CLTS with the help of SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins. With only one shot to build trust within a community, Walu’s only option is to ensure that they do things correctly from the start. A hands-on mentorship from SurfAid will help this process along.
 
Walu hopes to emulate SurfAid's results - healthy, happy children.   Download Hi-Res photo
“This is an excellent opportunity for SurfAid,” Dr Jenkins said. “By collaborating with Walu we get the joint benefit of assisting another NGO (Non-Government Organization) and of seeing our programs implemented in other areas of the world.

“I am sure SurfAid will learn at least as much as Walu from this experience, and we look forward to developing a close working relationship,” Dr Jenkins said.

Walu International Founder and CEO, Zack Parker, said that when he first traveled to Papua New Guinea in 2007 he couldn’t walk down the beach because of the human feces. “It was dangerous,” Parker said. “With the guidance of other successful organizations, like SurfAid International, I feel at ease knowing that one day all of the children playing on the beach will not get sick from their sandbox.”

This is a sentiment that is familiar to SurfAid, and hopefully Walu will be able to implement a successful CLTS program which has been designed and delivered to meet the unique conditions in PNG.

For more information please contact:

Kirk Willcox
SurfAid International Communications Director
W: + 61 2 9965 7325
M: + 61 407 063 829
E: kirk@surfaidinternational.org

Zack Parker
CEO and Founder of Walu International
P: + 1 831 234 4372
E: waluinternational@gmail.com
W: waluinternational.org

SurfAid and Walu Collaborate in Nias and PNG

SurfAid International granted the newly formed Walu International an experience that will help proliferate their impact in villages in Papua New Guinea.

SurfAid gave Walu an inside look on how Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is being properly implemented on the island of Nias, off North Sumatra, Indonesia, with the objective of helping expedite the impact that Walu will have as an organization.

CLTS empowers villagers to arrive at a sanitation solution on their own, after realizing their current practices are harmful to their health. Since the ideas are locally generated, people have a sense of ownership over the projects and can create their own solutions. In the case of CLTS the first step is to encourage community members to construct un-subsidized latrines, using local resources, thus increasing the likelihood of success. ...read more

Read More...

13th Annual Whalebone Classic: Cottesloe

Wednesday, July 07, 2010



The annual Whalebone Classic, which will be held at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach this weekend, has chosen humanitarian organisation SurfAid International as their charity partner for 2010.

With an event that has attracted the strongest field of surfers ever in its 13th year of competition, it is hoped that the
message of SurfAid will reach an extensive and committed audience.

Event organiser Peter Dunn is thrilled with the caliber of surfers coming to this year’s Whalebone. “We only get to see many of these surfers on video or in the magazines, so to have them all here together competing at Cottesloe is unreal,” Dunn said. ...read more





The annual Whalebone Classic, which will be held at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach this weekend, has chosen humanitarian organisation SurfAid International as their charity partner for 2010.

With an event that has attracted the strongest field of surfers ever in its 13th year of competition, it is hoped that the
message of SurfAid will reach an extensive and committed audience.

Event organiser Peter Dunn is thrilled with the caliber of surfers coming to this year’s Whalebone. “We only get to see many of these surfers on video or in the magazines, so to have them all here together competing at Cottesloe is unreal,” Dunn said.

With entries from Australia's best longboard surfers including current World Champion, Harley Ingleby (NSW), 2008
Whalebone Champion Dane Pioli (NSW), dual Whalebone Champion Jackson Close (Qld), Jared Neal (NSW) and
Matt Aldridge (Qld) this will bea very hard fought contest.

Current Australian Longboard Champion and 2006 Whalebone Champion, Josh Constable is excited about the
prospect of big surf for the contest. “I'm excited and a little bit nervous about the conditions forecast this weekend.
I had a look on the internet this morning and it said we could expect big windy conditions.”

SurfAid’s founder Dr Dave Jenkins will be at Whalebone on both days and he will do a presentation at the Saturday
night Whalebone Ball, which will include an auction to benefit SurfAid.

Cottesloe Hotel has also extended their Whalebone efforts to support SurfAid, with information and donation
opportunities at various points within the hotel.

Dr Dave Jenkins said that SurfAid is grateful for the support from Peter Dunn, the Whalebone Festival and the
Cottesloe Hotel.

“This as a great opportunity for SurfAid to spread our message and help to raise some funds in our 10th anniversary
year,” Dr Jenkins said.

“When it comes to helping more kids not only survive but thrive and reach their potential we are unashamedly
ambitious and we are now ready to take our work to more villages and new areas where there is great need.” Dr Dave added that he was also looking forward to sharing some waves.

The event will be surfed at Iso’s Reef at Cottesloe Beach this weekend, 10 and 11 July, with additional activities
taking place at the Cottesloe Hotel.

For further details please visit www.whaleboneclassic.com.au or phone Sean McKeown on 0414569208
or visit Peter Dunn at Fun's Back Surf in Cottesloe.

13th Annual Whalebone Classic: Cottesloe



The annual Whalebone Classic, which will be held at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach this weekend, has chosen humanitarian organisation SurfAid International as their charity partner for 2010.

With an event that has attracted the strongest field of surfers ever in its 13th year of competition, it is hoped that the
message of SurfAid will reach an extensive and committed audience.

Event organiser Peter Dunn is thrilled with the caliber of surfers coming to this year’s Whalebone. “We only get to see many of these surfers on video or in the magazines, so to have them all here together competing at Cottesloe is unreal,” Dunn said. ...read more

Read More...

Jamie Mitchell and Jackson English Paddle Molokai to Oahu to Raise $10,000 for SurfAid

Monday, May 10, 2010

Jamie Mitchell, the 8 x Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Winner, and fellow elite paddler Jackson English have joined forces to raise money for SurfAid International in this year’s gruelling 32-mile (51.5 km) Hawaiian race on 25 July.

English, 35, who is SurfAid’s biggest individual fundraiser, finished runner-up to Mitchell in the 2008 event across the Ka’iwi Channel, which is one of the most challenging stretches of water in the world.

Mitchell, 33, from Currumbin, Queensland, Australia, holds the race record of four hours, 48 minutes and 23 seconds, which he set in 2007.  He said he was honoured to work with SurfAid to help raise funds during its 10th anniversary year.

“SurfAid is a frontline organization whose efforts have a direct and real effect on the lives of those people who don’t have access to the health care, education and support that we sometimes take for granted,” Jamie said.  ...read more



Jamie Mitchell, the 8 x Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Winner, and fellow elite paddler Jackson English have joined forces to raise money for SurfAid International in this year’s gruelling 32-mile (51.5 km) Hawaiian race on 25 July.

English, 35, who is SurfAid’s biggest individual fundraiser, finished runner-up to Mitchell in the 2008 event across the Ka’iwi Channel, which is one of the most challenging stretches of water in the world.

Mitchell, 33, from Currumbin, Queensland, Australia, holds the race record of four hours, 48 minutes and 23 seconds, which he set in 2007.  He said he was honoured to work with SurfAid to help raise funds during its 10th anniversary year.

“SurfAid is a frontline organization whose efforts have a direct and real effect on the lives of those people who don’t have access to the health care, education and support that we sometimes take for granted,” Jamie said.

“This year will be my 10th crossing of the Ka’iwi Channel during the Molokai to Oahu race and a fitting time to raise awareness of SurfAid as well as raising funds to support their important work.

“I encourage you to give what you can to this great cause and join Jackson and myself as we work towards our goal of raising $10,000 as we cross the channel this July.”

English is a schoolteacher at the United World College of SE Asia in Singapore but is originally from the Central Coast of NSW, Australia.  In the past five years he has raised more than $200,000 for SurfAid.

“With three healthy young children of my own, it breaks my heart to see kids the same age as mine suffering from very preventable diseases such as chest infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and malaria,” Jackson said.

“To go through a few hours of pain and suffering while crossing the channel is the least I can do to help.  Please support Jamie and myself as we try to raise $10,000 for the 10-year anniversary of SurfAid.”

SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins said he was stoked that both Jamie and Jackson were prepared to do the hard yards for SurfAid.

“Jamie is an extraordinary athlete and, besides the much-needed funds, his profile will help to spread the message of our community development work.  And Jackson is one of the archetypal unsung heroes of SurfAid who has sacrificed months of precious spare time to raise huge amounts of money for us,” Dr Dave said.

You can donate to Jamie and Jackson’s efforts here  (PUT LINK). In the “Additional Information” section please write either Molokai, Jamie or Jackson so we can track your donation.  Thank you for your support.

About SurfAid International  
SurfAid International’s mission is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in the Mentawai and Nias islands, off Sumatra, Indonesia, where it runs water and sanitation, disaster preparedness and relief, and community health programs.
SurfAid is celebrating 10 years of humanitarian work in 2010. www.surfaidinternational.org

For further information, please contact:

Kirk Willcox
SurfAid International Communications Director
W: + 61 2 9965 7325
M: + 61 407 063 829
E: kirk@surfaidinternational.org

Jamie Mitchell’s management:
Justin Skinner
Australia Sports and Athlete Management
W: + 61 7 5667 7114
M: + 61 404 817 452
E: justin@aussam.com

Jamie Mitchell and Jackson English Paddle Molokai to Oahu to Raise $10,000 for SurfAid

Jamie Mitchell, the 8 x Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Winner, and fellow elite paddler Jackson English have joined forces to raise money for SurfAid International in this year’s gruelling 32-mile (51.5 km) Hawaiian race on 25 July.

English, 35, who is SurfAid’s biggest individual fundraiser, finished runner-up to Mitchell in the 2008 event across the Ka’iwi Channel, which is one of the most challenging stretches of water in the world.

Mitchell, 33, from Currumbin, Queensland, Australia, holds the race record of four hours, 48 minutes and 23 seconds, which he set in 2007.  He said he was honoured to work with SurfAid to help raise funds during its 10th anniversary year.

“SurfAid is a frontline organization whose efforts have a direct and real effect on the lives of those people who don’t have access to the health care, education and support that we sometimes take for granted,” Jamie said.  ...read more

Read More...

Schoolies Charity Challenge to Raise Money for SurfAid International

Friday, April 23, 2010

What do Third World health problems and Schoolies have in common? For most school leavers the answer is nothing, but for a handful of high achievers, their leaving celebrations will help improve health in a remote region of Indonesia.

The “Schoolies Charity Challenge” is seeking 12 final year students to complete an epic adventure in Indonesia. The seven-day challenge involves climbing the three mountains (including two volcanoes) that surround the West Sumatran town of Bukittinggi. Students will be required to obtain financial sponsorship from various sources before they are accepted to participate in the challenge.

The challenge has been established by a new company called Adventure for Life and they have chosen SurfAid International as the benefitting charity.

SurfAid International is a non-profit, humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in the Mentawai and Nias islands, off Sumatra, where it runs water and sanitation, disaster preparedness and relief, and health programs. ...read more



What do Third World health problems and Schoolies have in common? For most school leavers the answer is nothing, but for a handful of high achievers, their leaving celebrations will help improve health in a remote region of Indonesia.

The “Schoolies Charity Challenge” is seeking 12 final year students to complete an epic adventure in Indonesia. The seven-day challenge involves climbing the three mountains (including two volcanoes) that surround the West Sumatran town of Bukittinggi. Students will be required to obtain financial sponsorship from various sources before they are accepted to participate in the challenge.

The challenge has been established by a new company called Adventure for Life and they have chosen SurfAid International as the benefitting charity.

SurfAid International is a non-profit, humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in the Mentawai and Nias islands, off Sumatra, where it runs water and sanitation, disaster preparedness and relief, and health programs.

The infant mortality rate (children under five) in the Mentawai Islands is 93 per 1,000 live births – nearly one in 10. In Nias, the rate is 66 deaths per 1,000 births. In industrialized countries, on average there are six deaths for every 1,000 live births.

Preventable diseases such as chest infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and malaria cause much of the death and suffering, and natural disasters like tsunami and earthquakes add to the volatility of the region.

SurfAid, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, won the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) humanitarian award in 2007 ahead of 49,000 other NGOs.

“Having experienced the great work of SurfAid firsthand, and knowing how prone the region is to natural disaster, this NGO is an obvious choice for this particular program,” Adventure for Life’s owner, Mr Iain Lygo, said.

SurfAid also has a Schools Program in Australia, New Zealand and the USA which aims to develop global citizens using the humanitarian challenges and achievements of SurfAid as an example for action. http://schools.surfaidinternational.org

SurfAid Schools Program Education Director, Milton Brown, said:  “School leavers are at an exciting part of their lives and this adventure will provide an opportunity for young people to define themselves as caring future citizens rather than mindless party animals.

“The personal, communal and global experiences that will flow from participation in this program will develop cross-cultural understanding that is essential for the future of our planet,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Lygo believes the program will be popular with a growing number of Year 12 students and their parents.

“Many Year 12 students are looking for more than a boozy beach experience and have widened their horizons. These horizons are geographical, social and ethical,” he said.

“We want to provide a memorable experience for young adults that is less stressful for their parents than the traditional Schoolies party program.”

Adventure for Life’s goal is to run this program as an annual event with the challenge being to break the previous year’s fundraising total.

Anyone interested in participating in the Schoolies Charity Challenge can contact Adventure for Life through their website www.adventureforlife.com.au

For more information please contact:

Iain Lygo
Adventure For Life owner
M: + 61 437 745 874
E: iainlygo@me.com

Kirk Willcox
SurfAid International Communications Director  
W: + 61 2 9965 7325
M: + 61 407 063 829
E:  kirk@surfaidinternational.org
W: www.surfaidinternational.org

Schoolies Charity Challenge to Raise Money for SurfAid International

What do Third World health problems and Schoolies have in common? For most school leavers the answer is nothing, but for a handful of high achievers, their leaving celebrations will help improve health in a remote region of Indonesia.

The “Schoolies Charity Challenge” is seeking 12 final year students to complete an epic adventure in Indonesia. The seven-day challenge involves climbing the three mountains (including two volcanoes) that surround the West Sumatran town of Bukittinggi. Students will be required to obtain financial sponsorship from various sources before they are accepted to participate in the challenge.

The challenge has been established by a new company called Adventure for Life and they have chosen SurfAid International as the benefitting charity.

SurfAid International is a non-profit, humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in the Mentawai and Nias islands, off Sumatra, where it runs water and sanitation, disaster preparedness and relief, and health programs. ...read more

Read More...

Connect

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Tumblr  |  Vimeo

Get our latest news

Tumblr

Blog Search



GET OUR LATEST NEWS: SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES

SurfAid is a non-profit humanitarian organisation whose aim
is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people
living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.
learn more
ORGANISATION