SurfAid and Rip Curl have launched the sixth annual Make A Wave challenge, calling on surfers around the world to surf every day throughout September while raising funds for SurfAid’s work in some of the world’s most remote surf communities.
Since launching in 2021, the initiative has attracted surfers from 28 countries and raised more than $3.6 million, including a record-breaking $1.1 million in 2025. The funds help deliver healthcare, clean water and food security programs in places like Rote and the Mentawais, where access to essential services remains limited.
Rip Curl once again returns as the challenge’s major supporter, with Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Erin Brooks all backing this year’s campaign.
“Participating in the Make A Wave challenge was an incredible experience,” said Owen Wright. “Knowing that each wave I caught helped families gain access to the things we take for granted like clean water made every session even more meaningful. I can’t wait to do it again this September.”
Participants will receive fundraising support throughout the month and are encouraged to share their daily surfs using the hashtag #MakeAWave, helping build a global community united by a love of surfing and the people who live in its farthest-flung corners.
The challenge is open to surfers of all ages and abilities, with individuals, schools, surf clubs and boardrider clubs all encouraged to get involved. The Surf School Showdown and Boardriders Bash also return, alongside prize giveaways from brands including Rip Curl, Boost Mobile, YETI, Creatures of Leisure, Perfect Wave Travel, Firewire and URBNSURF.
Registrations are now open, with surfers invited to commit to a month of waves while making a tangible difference in the communities that have given surfing so much.
