Connecting Communities Through Surfing and Exploration
MeWater & LaruBeya Collective Surf Exchange Program
Inaugural Exchange Program 2024
In December 2023, a transformative idea was born at the Surf Therapy Conference in Puerto Rico. As a speaker at the event, I was honored to meet an inspiring group of women from the LaruBeya Collective in Rockaway Beach, NY. These incredible leaders run a surf camp and community program dedicated to empowering underserved youth in their area. Their mission resonated deeply, reminding me of the young women we work with here in San Francisco—young black girls with similar experiences and aspirations.
All NYC Surf Exchange Photographs courtesy of Ann Koch Photography.
Together, we envisioned a groundbreaking collaboration: the Surf Exchange Program. This initiative bridges our communities, offering New York and San Francisco youth a unique opportunity to explore new environments, forge connections, and grow through shared adventures.
Watch the kids in action in the featured film by Adam Warmington “Coast to Coast”
2024 Program Highlights
San Francisco Week
The MeWater community welcomed the Laru Beya youth and leaders to San Francisco for a week! We took them down to Santa Cruz, where they surfed endlessly on the world-class pointbreaks of Santa Cruz. They surfed in West Marin at Stinson and Bolinas, scoring the best summer day at Bolinas! Smiles for miles, and even those who initially said they didn't want to go camping had such a blast! Highlights of the week:
Camping under the majestic redwoods at Mount Tamalpais
Visited Haut Surfboards, one of the oldest surfboard factories
Surfing along the Bay Area and Santa Cruz coastlines.
Connecting with local MeWater youth and community members
Immersive experiences in the vibrant city of San Francisco.
New York Week
Our crew of kids from City of Dreams, staff, and youth volunteers posted up in Rockaway, NY, for eight days, and it was just a non-stop whirlwind of surfing with Larubeya, surfing by ourselves, then exploring all of NYC, and traveling by subway! Participating in Larubeya's programming was an incredible experience, as the entire Rockaway community wrapped their arms around us, making us feel right at home over 3000 miles away from home! The youth from City of Dreams had a blast surfing and continuing the friendships and connections they made while the NYC kids were out west.
Surf camps at Rockaway Beach.
Exploring the cultural and urban landscape of New York City.
Rock climbing in Central Park
Visiting the Top of the Rock and the Museum of Natural History
Building relationships and learning from local communities.
Our programs align seamlessly, creating a life-changing, synergistic exchange for the youth involved. Together, we aim to inspire confidence, foster resilience, and broaden perspectives through the power of nature, sport, and community.
Contact Us
Join us as we build this bridge between coasts and create lasting memories for the next generation.
Stay tuned for updates on how you can support or participate in the Surf Exchange Program.
Are you interested in learning more about MeWater camp opportunities?
Contact Eddie Donnellan at eddied@mewaterfoundation.org