UBC Surf Club Fall Trip and Ocean Stewardship
Project Details
Helping over 30 young women learn how to surf and be confident in the water. I also led a workshop with over 99 UBC students directly on the beach as an ocean connection activity!
Project Description
The surf equity program for young women will introduce women and girls, particularly those facing barriers to ocean access, to the sport of surfing in a safe and welcoming environment. Additionally, the program will promote ocean protection education and a greater awareness of local and global environmental issues. The program will empower women to create lifelong connections to the environment, the ocean, and each other through sports and social connection. Continued support for participants of the program will allow for longer-term personal and community development, as well as projects in relation to environmental and marine sustainability. This program will support over 100+ young women to access ocean sports and become ocean-climate stewards.
This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.
What was your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was going about how to manage such large group to ensure inclusion, fun, and most of all safety. Through organization and community bonding it helped strengthen communication building an environment were everyone was encouraged to ask questions or reach out when they needed help. Creating a space that was easy to teach and pass on my love for the ocean as well as surfing to my fellow UBC classmates.
What was your most valuable takeaway?
By far the most valuable takeaway from this project was the new connections made through the time we all spent in the ocean together. It was also empowering to see everyone building their confidence in the ocean and within the surf community.
