Surfrider Spirit Sessions

We literally pull the ground out from under our youth, grab their interest, help them recognize their own inherent value, and transform their raw energy into character strengths.

They develop new skills, explore new modes of thinking, and embrace a new approach to life. The joy of surfing and accomplishment of catching waves is an instant boost to self-esteem, and surfing together provides a positive bonding experience and enhances trust. Our method of combining one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, peer mentoring, eco-therapy, experiential environmental education, and athletics stimulates youth participation and leads to strong relationships.

Based on the Hawaiian concept that we are all connected, Surfrider Spirit Sessions brings together state and local agencies, businesses, and individual community members to support our youth. Through Spirit Sessions, all facets of our community share their resources. Our programs work because we all work together.

These youth have suffered traumas and their problems, wounds, and challenges run deep. For them, more accessible youth programs are insufficient. Our core focus is serving youth aged 13-18 years who are directed to our programs by Hawai‘i Family Court judges from Hawai‘i Girls Court and Hawai‘i Juvenile Drug Court. According to the courts, these youth have less than 12-24 months to turn their lives around or they will likely become incarcerated as adults. To make drastic changes they need intensive attention and extensive resources.

Typically approximately 50% of our youth are from single-parent families, 55% are Native Hawaiian and 42% live in public assistance (low income) households dependent on food stamps or living in public housing. Many come from economically depressed or rural communities.

Surfrider Spirit Sessions was founded in response to an expressed need by Hawai'i State Family Courts for pro-social youth activities and juvenile detention alternatives for court-involved youth. Our mission is to create and deliver holistic, ocean-based experiential education and mentoring programs and activities that connect, enhance, and fill in the gaps within existing nonprofit programs serving at-risk and adjudicated youth, teaching ocean awareness, environmental sensitivity and Hawaiian culture to the general community.  SSS provides a motivational and communal pathway for youth to make positive life changes and the means to achieve greater life success.

We are in need of adult mentors with surfing experience that can be role models for our youth. Our programs are gender specific and ask volunteers to commit to 8 consecutive Saturdays to mentor a youth in our surf program.