For the last month Surfaid has been running its Make a Wave Campaign. The premise is simple. Instead of a telethon fundraiser, it’s a Surfathon. Participants have pledged to surf every day in September to raise funds for women and kids in marginalised areas that we are connected to by surfing. Indonesia has always been a focal point for Surfaid’s support network and it’s also a part of the world where many surfers have enjoyed some of their finest surfing memories.
As we emerge from the COVID chaos, most of us can’t wait to slide into a steep Indo wall, set a line, and watch the liquid glass throw over in that distinctly Indonesian way.
he Tracks Editor, Luke Kennedy, enjoying a magic Mentawais moment as the local kids watch on. It’s kids like these who benefit from the support provided by Surfaid.
However, while we dream about the hollow delights that await us on our next trip to Indonesia, thousands in the archipelago die and suffer every year as a result of preventable diseases and conditions. By simply providing clean water, better sanitation, and improved nutrition many of the problems can be solved.
Like many others the editor of Tracks, Luke Kennedy, has been surfing every day (sometimes twice a day) for the last month.
Aided by ridiculous amounts of caffeine and a high carbohydrate diet he has duckdived, trimmed and paddled his way through a surfing odyssey. Torturous rip bowl currents, heaving closeouts and lightning-struck lineups have all been encountered along the way. Thank god the banks at his local beachie have been good on most days.
“Frankly it was a lot of fun,” insists Luke. I might have to book in to have my ears drilled and my pterygiums removed next week but unlike many of the kids in Indo I’ve got access to first-class medical care in Australia.”
Despite putting in more surf hours than a pro chasing a world title the editor still feels well short of the mark when it comes to fundraising. A few bucks each from Tracks followers could make a huge difference to thousands of lives. Think of it as paying forward for your next Indo trip. It’s always a good time to donate to SurfAid but today is the last day to donate to the Make a Wave challenge. Click the link if you’d like to chip in and make sure The Kids are Alright.
