We surfers, love to travel, often to far-flung places across the globe where the average person wouldn’t even think to head in search of some wave we heard about. In fact, travel is so enmeshed in the pursuit of surfing that to be a surfer is to be a traveler. But have you ever felt there could be more depth or purpose to your presence in the places you visit? This is where a new surf travel platform called Waves and Love, launched by Thomas Vesper, comes in.
Waves and Love is for those who want to make their surf travel matter to the communities whose waves they share. Funneling a portion of travel spend to local NGOs, it also connects traveling surfers to the NGO they wish to work with, so instead of spending onshore afternoons sitting around scrolling, they can use their time to assist charities that are doing critical work in areas with waves. The platform combines customized travel itineraries with volunteer work in the type of mission the traveling surfer might be passionate about – from animal welfare to teaching kids to surf.
Vesper started the platform after traveling across the globe to surf, then studying a master’s in international development and entering the NGO sector. “I sat down and asked myself what I really loved doing. I loved surfing, traveling, and the humanitarian and NGO sector. Why not try to combine all three?” Vesper explained.
“As I continued traveling through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, I realized there were so many NGOs and community organizations close to incredible surf spots, including world-class waves. I thought there was an opportunity to build a bridge between travelers and these organizations, which often lack visibility, funding, and people to help with their work,” he said.
Launched in September this year, the platform has formed partnerships with NGOs in Peru, the Philippines, and Senegal, and is working to expand into additional destinations such as Brazil and Mozambique. So, how are the NGO partnerships formed, and how does Vesper ensure they’re organizations engaged in best practice?
“My experience volunteering in Peru showed me the obstacles these organizations face every day. Having volunteers contribute their time and skills can make a huge difference to a small NGO. Everyone has something they can bring to the table,” he said.
Courtesy Waves and Love
The relationship starts with a video call, and then Vesper travels to the location to meet with the NGO, build a trusting relationship, and also see for himself how its operations are managed. “Having worked with an NGO, I understand the importance of that practical experience. Building a human connection, meeting people, and developing trust are essential. I want our collaborations to be based on trust, rather than relying entirely on video calls,” he said.
Surf tourism at times, can be an extractive practice. Surfers from Western countries travel to poorer parts of the world and often stay in foreign-owned accommodation, crowd out the lineup, take their waves, get their clips, and leave. Vesper’s effort is to challenge this type of process and encourage surfers to meaningfully engage with local communities, to experience places authentically, and ensure that surf tourism has positive outcomes for the people it impacts.
“I want to avoid a situation where more and more countries become Bali 2.0. Surf tourism is becoming increasingly significant, and the surf industry is expanding rapidly,” Vesper said.
“In many places, local communities are being excluded, and the ocean isn’t being properly looked after. I want this project to help include local communities and give surfers a more authentic experience by connecting them with the people who live there.”
“I think that connection is fundamental,” Vesper added.
Courtesy Waves and Love