Nature guides us at YSF, our love for the ocean drives our commitment to preserving our living environment.
Our aim is to raise environmental & social awareness and we will host a number of fundraising initiatives. SurfAid International and Disabled Surfers WA are the focus of the YSF Alliance
SurfAid’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 health, disaster preparedness, and water and sanitation 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.
SurfAid’s main goal is to empower the communities so as to foster health and resilience that is sustainable.
SurfAid’s website is: www.surfaidinternational.org
SurfAid also has a Schools Program, supported by Billabong, in New Zealand, Australia 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
Disabled Surfers WA - South West
For many people living with a disability, freedom of movement can be out of reach but thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, surfing is something they are able to do. The Disabled Surfers Association, which began in 1987 in New South Wales, is bridging the gap between disabled and able body surfers. It provides people with a disability the chance to go to the beach, feel the sand and surf the waves.
For some, it's the only time they get to experience what so many of us take for granted. It gives people with a disability a sense of freedom and independence.
DSAWA puts beach matting across the sand which enables participants in wheelchairs to take their own chairs onto the beach.
DSAWA, which has now spread throughout Australia and New Zealand, is funded entirely by donations and sponsorship, and offers its surfing days for free.
