NYC surfing event for youth development

WAVES for Development (WAVES) is partnering with the Swim Strong Foundation, St. Francis College Water Polo team and the NYU Surf Club to offer an introduction to Water Polo and Surf clinic on April 19th. The clinic is available for participants between the ages of 12 through 17.

“Surfing provides accomplished swimmers a healthy outlet and connection to nature; the skills developed while surfing can be applied to other areas of their lives” states Dave Aabo, founder and executive director of WAVES for Development International. This effort is put forth by WAVES to continue their commitment of using surfing as a vehicle for education for underprivileged youth in South America. WAVES for Development helps communities connect surfing and sustainable community development through Educational Surf programs for local youth and Adventure Voluntourism for travelers.

With Educational Surf programming in Peru, this marks the first US based event available for any participants ages 12-17 who are strong swimmers.

The event takes place on Sunday April 19th at St. Sebastian Parish Center from 7:45am to 11:00 am. The cost to get involved is $25 and participants can sign up by emailing Shawn Slevin, Chair of The Swim Strong Foundation, at shawn.slevin@theswimstrongfoundation.org.

“Swim Strong’s mission is to save and change children’s lives through competitive swimming,” says Slevin. “Our Spring Clinic in collaboration with WAVES for Development educates and inspires children to explore new and different water sports leading to life changing experiences for them. The fun they have working with the athletes and the possibilities of college scholarships don’t hurt either!”

WAVES for Development is an affiliation of not-for-profit organizations that uses surfing to make the world a better place by combing Educational Surf programs that develop youth into healthy and empowered adults with Adventure Voluntourism programs that engage travelers and transform their world view. The community-based educational programs promote healthy living, environmental conservation, social entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism. WAVES for Development Peru has signed an agreement with the Peruvian Sports Institute and the Peruvian Surfing Federation to bring Educational Surf and Adventure Voluntourism programming to communities throughout Peru.

For more information about WAVES for Development, visit WAVESfordevelopment.org.