COMMUNITY

Everybody at Global Surf Industries believes in making a very real contribution to the community in which we work. To make sure we do so, we actively support a range of community initiatives which we feel best reflect our company mantra, "Life is better when you surf". The organizations profiled below are good examples of the types of charities GSI gets involved with. If you can help any of these organizations, please feel free to do so. On the other hand, if you think that any of these organizations might be able to help you, we can recommend each of them wholeheartedly on the basis of our experiences with them in the past.

The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 Foundation dedicated to honoring the life of our inspiration, Jim Miller, by supporting the healing of mental and physical illness through surfing and ocean related activities. Through recreational, educational and mentoring programs, the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation will bring together surfers, educators, therapists, lifeguards and friends to help people affected by mental and physical illness feel the joy and healing power of the ocean and surfing.

The origins of Boarding House Mentors were seeded in the youth experiences of co-founder Alan Scott. Growing up in the racially charged 60's and 70's, Alan endured many of the same challenges our under served youth are facing today.

BHM is built on the support and action of others. Their mission is simple - they introduce disadvantaged youth to the exhilaration of surfing in order to broaden their life experiences through a healthy and non-competitive activity. Surfing can have a significant positive impact on self esteem, image, and confidence.

Their program is simple - they have outgoing volunteers that bring their love and passion for surfing and dedicate their day to teaching it. Not only do participants have a day of fun, but they meet new friends, encourage each other, and reach personal goals. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to make a donation, click here.

Outdoor Outreach is a California-based non-profit organization committed to giving all children the opportunity to gain confidence and self-esteem by taking part in outdoor activities. The organization believes that by offering young people a chance to enjoy responsible outdoor recreation, you give them the opportunity to gain experiences that will help inspire positive, lasting changes in their lives.

Outdoor Outreach welcomes all children, but is especially committed to providing intensive outdoor experiences to at-risk and underprivileged youth. Outdoor Outreach works closely with a wide variety of programs to reach the at-risk/low income youth population of San Diego County. Program Partners include drug rehabilitation programs, inner-city boys' and girls' clubs, inner-city public schools, residential boys' homes and several programs within the juvenile justice system. Since its first excursion in February 2001, Outdoor Outreach has taken over 1,800 kids on over 450 trips.

The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after a motorcycle accident which caused him to lose a knee cap and spend a long time in rehabilitation. Gary quickly discovered that, over the years, many surfers with disabilities had been transformed into loners with no one to help them get back into the water. Thanks to Gary's insight and effort, now everyone from asthmatics to paraplegics can turn to the Disabled Surfers Association for friendship and support, and a great way to renew their interest in surfing. In recognition of the value of his 15-year contribution to the disabled surfers' cause, Gary recently was awarded the "Australian Sports Medal" and inducted into the "Surfing Hall of Fame".

The mission of the get a board foundation is to positively influence at-risk youth through extreme sport and art. We plan to improve the lives of at-risk youth by introducing and exposing them to individual action/extreme sports and artistic outlets which may allow them to express themselves positively, build self-esteem, and beocme more culturally aware, as well as, increase their overall knowledge, of geography, nature and themselves.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.

The core activities and campaigns that the Surfrider Foundation uses to protect our oceans, waves and beaches fall into the categories of Clean Water, Beach Access, Beach Preservation and Protecting Special Places.

It is only though our supporters that the Surfrider Foundation can fight the battles that face our oceans, waves and beaches. When you donate, join or renew your membership, you are helping the Surfrider Foundation confront water pollution, beach access, beach loss and other serious concerns facing your beach.

WAVES for Development International is registering as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization in the US. The organization will educate people about WAVES' cause, promote its programs, and raise support for WAVES projects and organizations around the world.

WAVES for Development, believes that bringing together Water, Adventure, Voluntourism, Education and Sustainability (the WAVES acronym) provides an innovative solution. Surfing and sustainable development meet in Educational Surf Programs for disadvantaged youth and Adventure Volutourism programs for visitors. International volunteers and local youth build personal and social skills and learn the value of environmental conservation while sharing the surf experience.

If you would like to get inovloved in the WAVES for Development program or would like to know more about this great organization check out their web site.