URBNSURF partners with SurfAid to improve wellbeing among remote surf communities

Australia’s first surf park, URBNSURF has announced an exclusive partnership with leading surf non-profit SurfAid. The partnership allows URBNSURF to support SurfAid’s mission to improve the health, wellbeing, and resilience of people in remote surf communities.

To kick-off the partnership, URBNSURF will host the inaugural SurfAid Cup on 25th March. Teams of six surfers will have the opportunity to take on the most sought-after wave in Australia and compete for the title of Surfing Champions.

This year, URBNSURF boardriders will be organising a team to participate. URBNSURF boardrider club members Simon Ashford, Brendon Davis and Chris Watson note “It’s a huge privilege to be able to do something positive for others through surfing. Surfing is usually such an introspective and individual pursuit. It’s amazing for URBNSURF boardriders to be involved and have this opportunity to give back and contribute through Surf Aid.”

Last year’s event raised more than $70,000 for SurfAid’s programs, reaching more than 54,000 people in Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Mexico.

During September, SurfAid holds the annual Make A Wave Challenge where pros and rookies alike surf for 30 days straight to make an impact. Last year the event raised in excess of $739,000, and this year URBNSURF will be a key partner giving 60 lucky surfers the chance to surf at the pool when they take part.

URBNSURF welcomes spectators to watch the event live with passes available to purchase online ($5) and at check-in. Three Blue Ducks will be open, with a menu showcasing passion for sustainable and ethically farmed produce, with the best of Victoria’s local farms, wineries, craft breweries and artisan producers.

URBNSURF Chief Executive Damon Tudor advises “URBNSURF is incredibly proud to partner with SurfAid, an organisation that has such an effective and measurable positive impact to communities connected to us through surfing. It ties directly to URBNSURF’s vision and we are excited to continue to develop and grow this partnership as URBNSURF expands to Sydney in 2023 and beyond.”

All funds raised through the partnership will support families in the heartlands of surfing access healthcare, clean water, and food security.

Doug Lees, SurfAid Chief Executive (pictured above) adds “the team from URBNSURF have always been committed to supporting the places we all love to surf. The new partnership deepens URBNSURF’s connection to giving back through SurfAid. We couldn’t be more stoked to officially partner together to deliver the only SurfAid Cup in the southern hemisphere at a wave park.”

More information about the SurfAid Cup URBNSURF event can be found at surfaid.org/urbnsurf2022

Images from top: SurfAid Cup URBNSURF 2021; Team photo SurfAid Cup URBNSURF 2021; Team photo with Brooke Farris and Layne Beachly 2021;rSurfAid Chief Executive Doug Lees