SMILE WHILE YOU PADDLE 

The SOMOS Community Foundation in partnership with Bodhi Surf + Yoga will raise funds for the SELAL program to empower leadership and English language skills needed for gainful youth employment, particularly in the ecotourism industry.

Your donation allows students to participate in:

1) Structured two-week intensive programs in January and July during the students’ vacations

2) Monthly activities after school and during the weekends.

The two-week program covers the following topics:

Leadership

Biodiversity & Conservation

Eco-tourism

English language

Personal development

The two-week intensive programs are held five days a week for 5-6 hours per day during the students' vacation period. Daily English lessons and activities, as well as presentations, workshops, and field trips led by community members who are affiliated with local businesses, organizations, and protected areas, are the foundation of the leadership program.

Why a Surf-A-Thon?

Surfing is one of our passions and a large component of our livelihood at Bodhi Surf + Yoga. We feel it’s fitting to utilize this activity to contribute to our community and help raise funds for SELAL, a program that is empowering the next generation of community leaders. 

What is a Surf-A-Thon?

A Surf-A-Thon is similar to a Jog-a-Thon, which is a fundraising event where participants set a fundraising goal to jog or walk a certain number of laps around a predetermined distance in exchange for a donation per lap or a fixed donation amount.

Instead of jogging or walking, we will be surfing the waves of Mother Ocean. All surfers will be catching as many waves as they can within 60 minutes on International Surf Day, June 18, 2023.

Where will the Smile While You Paddle Surf-A-Thon be held?

The 2023 Smile While You Paddle Surf-A-Thon will be held all over the world. However, the Bodhi Surf + Yoga team and local community participants will surf the waves at Playa Chaman, inside the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.

Grab a surfboard,

Make a donation,

Smile While you Paddle!

We will see you out there on June 18, 2023.