Our Mission
Surf For Life is a global non-profit whose mission is to provide a cross-cultural experience between travelers and communities within the developing world. We leave behind a sustainable footprint that will advance the community in a positive way.
Who Can Join
Think ‘Short Term Gap Year For Grown-Ups’. We offer a unique opportunity for all to experience a new and altruistic kind of travel that takes individual vacation to the next level. We curate a range of itineraries between 4-10 days that provide the ultimate balance between work, play and cultural immersion- You don’t have to be a surfer, you just have to be game. Our trips are open to anyone who wants to travel and lend a helping hand.
What We Do
We sponsor high-impact, sustainable ‘bricks and mortar’ projects in underserved international communities. We work in collaboration with our in-country partners and community members to identify and design projects that will alleviate a pressing need for the long term in the local area. The goal of these projects is to create more access to educational opportunities, healthcare, and economic development. Our success comes from engaging passionate, outward-focused organizations and volunteers who support the realization of our projects by their financial contribution and participation in our trips. Without the inclusion of our volunteers and our in country community partners, Surf for Life would not exist.
How It Works
Surf For Life is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This means that a large portion of your trip experience is tax deductible!
The total commitment for your Surf For Life adventure is $2,750.
This includes:
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Trip Cost: $750
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This amount covers all of your expenses throughout your trip- accommodations, all meals, all transportation to and from the airport, cultural immersion activities and a surf lesson (when in surf destinations). Airfare, and optional additions like alcohol are not included.
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2. Donation: $2,000
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This is your chance to make a big impact! Each participant is required to contribute or fundraise $2,000 as a direct donation to the in-country community partner and the bricks-and-mortar project we will be executing, as well as ongoing Surf For Life projects. This donation is tax deductible.
For the $2,000 donation, you have several options:
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Donate it yourself - Be your own hero!
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Fundraise for it - Rally your friends and family around a good cause!
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Leverage a company match program, if available - Double your impact!
Company matching? Fundraising platforms? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Surf For Life is here to support you. Just ask- we’ll help you find the best fundraising solution for you by sharing the knowledge and experiences from our veteran volunteers.
75
Projects
2650
Volunteers
13
Partners
20
Locations
Our Impact
A Word From Our Volunteers
Allison Reid - South Portland, ME
Punto Banco, Costa Rica
“Trip of a lifetime! Contributing to the community was the most meaningful part of my journey with Surf For Life. It forever changed the way I want to travel... the surfing was the icing on the cake.”
Brad Herman - Oakland, CA
Guatemala
“On my first Surf For Life trip, I expected to see an interesting place and feel good about helping a community... I wasn’t expecting to meet such amazing people. That’s why I keep taking trips!”
Abbey Cowieson - Troy, NY
Costa Rica
“My trip to Costa Rica with Surf For Life was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I got to release baby turtles into the wild and learn so much about a different culture. I would love to take this trip again!”
