"Sustainability"
We know that as a surf travel agency, we can never be fully sustainable, but we can still contribute positively to our planet, to local communities, and to everyone who shares the ocean with us. Here’s what we do.
It's all about the people.
In surf tourism, local communities are too often excluded from economic benefits. We think that this is wrong. This is why we choose our destination partners with a preference to local employment, fair wages and authentic community involvement.
This is important to us not just from an ethical perspective but also considering our guests. The most unforgettable experiences are made with and by people! Because this is what we always try to do: create authentic experiences for our guests without taking from the locals.
It's all about the planet.
Every surf trip starts with a journey, often enough a flight. We’re not going to pretend otherwise. So we try to be careful about what happens when we arrive. That means not revealing secret spots, keeping group sizes small to avoid overcrowding breaks, and choosing destinations we know well enough to visit responsibly.
And it also means our commitment to 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of our yearly revenue to chosen nonprofits.
Our Sustainability partners
Projects we believe in
1% of every trip you book goes to nonprofit organizations that protect our oceans and enable positive change in local communities.
We chose 1% for the Planet not only because it is an external verification, holding us accountable, but also to concretely support initiatives we believe in and projects we cannot do ourselves.
We chose 1% for the Planet not only because it is an external verification, holding us accountable, but also to concretely support initiatives we believe in and projects we cannot do ourselves.
Portugal
Ocean Therapy
Surf Cura
Something we believe in deeply is that surfing is for everyone! Surf Cura makes this a reality by offering adaptive surf programmes for people with physical, visual and mental disabilities, proving that no limitation should keep anyone out of the water.
Portugal
Marine research
AIMM
One of our closest partners is AIMM (Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho) who conducts scientific research on marine ecosystems that directly informs conservation policy. They host our marine workshop on our Algarve trips which changes how we and our guests see the ocean.
West Africa (Ghana)
Surf Material Distribution
Provide The Slide
We’re proud to collaborate with Provide The Slide, a non-profit giving a second life to used surfboards by sending them to communities with limited access to surf equipment. With this they create more opportunities for locals to take part in surfing and follow a healthier lifestyle through sport.
Sri Lanka
Women empowerment
SeaSisters
We’re honoured to support SeaSisters, who are breaking down the cultural and economic barriers that keep too many women and girls out of the water. They are doing work that matters far beyond the surf world.
Southeast Asia (Indonesia)
Plastic removal
Seven Clean Seas
When finalising your booking with us, you can choose to donate to SevenCleanSeas. They are a NGO that collects and removes plastic waste from the ocean, currently running cleanup projects in Indonesia and Thailand. We partnered with them because we believe in their approach: besides of caring for the ocean, they create social impact by employing local communities.
When we're on the ground
The Surf Tribe
Originals
On our own trips we have more more control but also more more responsibility.
We use both, to create small but meaningful impact.
We use both, to create small but meaningful impact.
Discover Originals surf trips
Local employment
We also prioritise local employment in our own trips by working with local captains, guides, and operators. They directly benefit from our trips and can share their deep knowledge about the ocean, culture and destination.
surfboard Collection drive
On our last event in Peniche, we collected over 60 surfboards, and delivered them to our partners Provide the Slide. These surfboards and other surf materials are now riding waves under West African's surfers feet.
Marine Conservation workshop
Through our AIMM partnership, we learn first hand from scientists and researchers about our beloved ocean and marine conservation. We include this as part of our Algarve Retreat to raise awareness and educate ourselves and our guests.
Our Approach
1.
Travel Consciously
We believe surf travel should be slow, intentional and connected. Small groups, local stays, and real experiences over mass tourism.
2.
Give back
We surf incredible waves, that is to the people who live there, supporting local communities and protecting the ocean is part of every trip we organize.
3.
Grow together
Every surf trip is an opportunity to learn - from nature, from others, and from ourselves. Growth happens when we travel with purpose.
1% for planet
1% of every trip you book goes to nonprofit organizations that protect & clean our oceans.
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