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Volunteer downloads

Start your volunteer experience today by downloading the WAVES Info Pack.

If you are ready to submit your application then get started with our online application form.

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Testimonials

  • As I left Lobitos this time, it was with a quiet but irrepressible sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that Henry will continue to fuel this creative cycle, amplifying and sharing the story of his town and WAVES—the organization that has brought so many good people there to teach and to learn. - Forest Woodward -
  • "I walk away with from this feeling like so much has happened, so much was achieved and there are so many stories to tell and a lot of great experiences to share" - Raffael Schmidt
  • "I just want to thanks all the WAVES staff for the 2 weeks that I spent in this very special place that I will visit again and again, for sure." - Caio
  • This is a great stop-off for people spending an extended time in South America. - Marieke
  • It's a great atmosphere for teamwork and cooperation. - Jeremy Koons

Mission

WAVES for Development creates life-enriching experiences in coastal communities through Educational Surf programs.

Photo thanks to: Forrest Woodward

Mission

WAVES inspires world travel and cultural exchange through surf experiences, while collaboratively building a network of partnerships that connect travelers, community members and grassroots initiatives.

Education initiatives develop youth into healthy & empowered adults and Surf Voluntourism engages travelers & transforms their view of the world and themselves. Our community-based programs promote:

  • Cultural Exchange and Understanding
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Life Skills / Healthy Living
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainable Tourism

Pillar 1: Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Experiencing other cultures is a great way to get to know your own. WAVES values and encourages cultural exchange and promotes understanding in a safe and respectful environment.

Pillar 2: Life Skills / Healthy Living

Life Skills/Healthy Living initiatives build personal and social skills through a variety of experiential learning and extracurricular activities – including swimming, surfing, and English classes. These activities promote effective communication, self confidence, interest in continued learning and living healthy.

Pillar 3: Environmental Conservation

Our conservation ethic aims to increase participants connection to the earth and willingness to conserve it. In addition to developing a special relationship with the natural environment through surfing and adventure activities, participants learn and live direct conservation actions, the importance of biodiversity, and environmentally responsible technologies.

Pillar 4: Social Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and small business exposure aspires to develop businesses that improves communities. The aim is to create businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and serve the community utilizing local resources. Through hands-on experience, new entrepreneurs learn to contribute to their community, conduct feasibility studies, develop business plans and  apply for micro credit loans for small businesses.

Pillar 5: Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism advances community driven development efforts through Surf Voluntourism programs that blend surfing and service opportunities, including youth development activities.  We believe sustainability addresses environmental, socio-cultural, political and economic realities.

Our Values:

  • Social Responsibility
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Honesty and Transparency
  • Fun, Life-enriching Experiences
  • Equality that Celebrates Culture and Diversity
  • Innovation