Urban Surf 4 Kids Magazine Fall 2016

fall 2016

also inside: US4K Summer Review Surf resort spotlight: Sansara Surf Resort Dreaming of Aloha +more!

chaka

@DukeFest2016 Photo Credit: Jason Rose

WESLEY STEWART • URBAN SURF 4 KIDS

FOUNDER’S NOTES

Aloha,

It’s the time of the year again, where we say goodbye to summer and with some reluctance begin to embrace the fall. We here at Urban Surf 4 Kids simply stand amazed and humbled by all that has happened over this summer season.

Throughout this edition, we will highlight what we together through our community have a complished.

Our San Diego crew lead by chapter president Craig Jenkins and executive director Saya Nodera have taken the program to “Big Kahuna” status, or as once said by a volunteer, “They are doing it BIG TIME”. With all the of news coverage surrounding our 2nd annual “Surf with a Cop Day” was our standout event. Craig, who was featured several times has now considered an acting career! It’s great to see all of the amazing things happen in San Diego.

I was fortunate to spend a little time on both coast over the summer, it’s been amazing to see kids get stoked on both the East and West Coast. As our program in Florida is being embraced, I’m once again reminded about the heartbreak that too many of our kids are experi2

encing that lead them into our foster care system.

We as surfer’s possess one of the greatest therapy and outlets known. The simple ability to enter the healing powers of the ocean! We will begin to add segments with insights on how to get involved in either being a mentor or a foster parent. In closing, we implore you to continue to spread the word about our programs. Share it with your neighbor, co workers, friends, and family. Together we can embrace, share and carry our kids burdens through surfing and serving!

With love, Wesley Stewart

“Together we can embrace, share and carry our kids burdens through surfing and serving!”

fall Edition 2016

A LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 40 Urban Surf 4 Kids Magazine | Fall 2016

Page 6

Celebrating Duke

by Charles Webb

page 18

WaveWrecker

by Hillary Manalac

page 20

Surf Resort Spotlight

by Andrea Bennett

page 28

Surf Artist Spotlight

by Andrea Bennett

page 30

Ride the Wave by Gina D.

page 32-34 Dreaming of Aloha

by Libby Donalson & Saya Nodera page 40

US4K Summer Events Highlights

page 53

US4K Upcoming Events

6 53 28

20 32 18

30

3

4

5

celebrating duke

By Charles�Chaka� Webb / photos by Jason rose

6

n 2016, the Dukes Ocean Festival celebrated its fifteenth year of honoring the life and spirit of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Duke Kahanamoku is celebrated as the “Father of surfing”, an Olympic Champion, and the Ambassador of Aloha, among his many great accomplishments. Duke Kahanamoku is an amazing “waterman icon” that a whole culture, and beyond, has embraced.

Duke Kahanamoku was born in 1890 in Waikiki, Honolulu Hawaii, and was always known as a phenomenal waterman; even as a young boy, his ability in the water was special. In 1912, those abilities took Duke Kahanamoku to Stockholm Sweden for the Olympic Games. Duke would go on to win a gold medal in the 100 meter freestyle, where he would set a world record; he also added a silver medal in the 200 meter freestyle.

It was at this time, traveling back through the US after the 1912 Olympics, that Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in an exhibition. This would be the beginning of a great and long ambassadorship from Duke to share the Aloha of surfing with the world; in 1914 Duke would travel to Australia to share his Hawaiian style of surfing with the Australians. Then in the 1920’s through the early 1930’s Duke Kahanamoku would share his Aloha of surfing with Southern California and basically change the beach culture there forever.

Throughout this time, Duke Kahanamoku continued to compete and win at the Olympic level. The 1920 Olympic Games would be held in Antwerp, Belgium (there were no Olympic games in 1916 because of World War I) and Duke did not miss a stroke as he won gold medals in the 4x200 freestyle relay and he would break his own world record in the 100 meter freestyle. In 1924, Duke Kahanamoku, at the age of 34 years old, would appear in yet another Olympic Games in Paris, France, where he would win a silver medal, losing the gold medal only to legendary swimmer Jonny Weissmuller.

With all the medals and wins, swimming in pools, it was the ocean and Duke’s love of surfing that he is best known for. His dedication to his

people and his culture is one of the biggest parts of his legacy. Duke Kahanamoku is the one true ambassador of Aloha; Duke has been quoted many times but this is probably his most famous quote of all: “In Hawaii, we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world’s center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed. Aloha to you.”

Duke Kahanamoku passed away from a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 77 years old; and although Duke traveled all over the world, he passed away in the same city in which he was

7

born. Waikiki was Duke’s home and where he lived out his days surfing and sharing the spirit of Aloha. I read another quote from Duke Kahanamoku where he said with a smile on his face, “I have never seen snow and do not know what winter means.”

It is this spirit that the Duke’s Ocean Festival embraces, and will continue to celebrate every year, on Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday of August 24th and throughout the week in an 8-day celebration, where there are numerous types of water sports competitions. From stand up paddling, swimming, and life guard competitions, to the adaptive surf contest, Duke’s Ocean Festival celebrates the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku. In 2014 is when I got introduced to the Duke’s Ocean Festival.

AccesSurf Hawaii is a nonprofit based on Oahu that is geared toward adaptive water sports and spreading the Aloha spirit. Richard Julian is the co-founder of AccesSurf and also happens to be one of the pioneers of the sport of adaptive surfing. Richard Julian is a paraplegic that has been surfing a waveski, which is an adaptive surf board, for many years and was one of the original adaptive surfers that introduced adaptive surfing to the Duke’s Ocean Festival in 2006. In that first year, there was an exhibition heat with four adaptive surfers—there was a prone adaptive surfer, a waveski adaptive surfer, a tandem adaptive surfer, and a deaf adaptive surfer in that very first heat in 2006.

It is now ten years later and at the 2016 AccesSurf Hawaii Adaptive Surf Championships there were over 60 adaptive athletes representing nine countries and eight different adaptive surf divisions. The Duke’s Fest AccesSurf Hawaii Adaptive Surf Championships has become the premier adaptive surf contest on the planet. When I first heard of the contest that adaptive surfers affectionately refer to as “The Duke”, I could hear the importance and the weight of the contest when people speak of it. I knew that when I first heard of this contest, it was a life changing event for all involved. I attended my first Duke Fest in 2014 and immediately knew that I had just been a part of something special and it had changed a lot for me personally, and I have been back every year since then.

2016 was a special milestone for the Duke’s Ocean festival because it was the fifteenth year of the festival, but it was also the tenth year that AccesSurf Hawaii was involved with the festival, putting on the adaptive surf contest. The thing about this event is that it is not all about the competition; as a matter of fact, for every great thing that happens in a heat during the contest so many more great things are happening in the water for so many other people with disabilities and severe ailments because of the work of the AccesSurf staff and volunteers. It

8

is truly a great thing to watch someone develop confidence in the water and also ride a wave that will change everything for them all in the same moment—this happens at the Duke’s Ocean Festival for many people.

The Duke’s Ocean Festival has become a beacon for elite water men and women since its inception and that is no different for the adaptive contest as there are athletes ranging from gold medal Paralympian Alana Nichols to current adaptive World Champions Jesse Billauer (assist division), Bruno Hansen (prone division), and Mark “Mono” Stewart (standing division). There is also the current U.S. National Adaptive Surfing Champion, Jeff Munson, and 2015 past U.S. National Adaptive Surfing Champion, Chris Oberle, among many other high level disabled athletes. This adaptive surf contest has become a precursor to the International Surfing Association’s Adaptive World Championships.

The thing that makes the AccesSurf Adaptive Surfing Championship head and shoulders above any other adaptive surf contest (including, and especially, the ISA adaptive surfing world championship) is that the contest is held at a world class break called “Queens” in Waikiki. Queens is a high performance wave that gives each adaptive surfer the opportunity to maximize their ability on an elite wave that very few adaptive surf contests offer (with the exception of a few WSA stops and the Rincon contest). This has set a standard and a format that has proven to work and flow on so many levels.

This year’s contest was the highest level of adaptive competition that I have seen personally, and as an adaptive athlete the competition was fierce and intense. There were many highlights from this year’s Duke’s Ocean Festival, from Davi Teixeira and Bruno Hansen both receiving a perfect scoring wave (10) in their prospective heats to Whit Tyler shredding her first open face wave in competition—this contest was a milestone for so many people in so many ways.

Other great moments included Jeff Munson winning his third consecutive Duke’s Championship in the waveski division

9

and Jesse Billauer claiming his first Duke’s title in the assisted prone division. I also had a personal best, placing second in the waveski division; my goal setting out was to get on the podium and it felt amazing to accomplish that.

But for me, one moment stood out above the rest at this year’s Duke’s Ocean Festival AccesSurf Adaptive Surf Championship, and that was local girl Meira Va’a claiming her first Duke’s Championship in the women’s waveski division. Meira is from Ewa Beach and has been representing team Hawaii in events like the 2015 ISA Adaptive Surfing World Championship and competing for a title in the 2016 Surfing America National Adaptive Surfing Championship.

She has been competing and working hard and to see her win a title in her own backyard was amazing. She is everything Aloha and what it represents and to see her tears of joy and appreciation was an honor to witness.

To see so many life changing moments on so many levels, and to feel the energy of so many people sharing the Aloha spirit, I have to believe that Duke Kahanamoku is here in spirit when these things are happening. It is here at the Duke’s Ocean Festival that I really discovered the true meaning of Aloha and Ohana and it is here that I will come back to every year to experience it again and again.

10

11

12

13

14

1.844.751.2075

cerritos-puestadelsol.com

Mention Urban Surf 4 Kids for

10%discount 15

Tired of cold, tight-fitting rashguards?

The Solution:

Comfortable performance apparel designed for the water

UPF 50+ Water Resistant Fast Drying Breathable Loose-fitting

"Owning a business and having two little ones, I am always on the go, which is why I love Victory Koredry. I can outfit my whole family and know that we are protected— sun, wind, water... we're covered!"

-Becky Jenkins OC Paddleboard, Ocean City, NJ

MADE IN USA

16

Photo by Gary Nevitt

Why Koredry Video

VictoryKoredry.com

For a more personal experience on Hawaii’s Big Island, you might consider staying at Kona Hawaii Guest House. Choose from luxurious, romantic hideaways or secluded bungalows with

an old Hawaii feel. If you enjoy traveling off the beaten path, private residences and inns can add a whole new dimension to your vacation experience on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Specializing in Vinyasa flow classes.

Presenting a well-balanced yoga practice that develops strength, balance, and flexibility.

Tap into this form of power yoga in our lightly heated studio. Classes available for all levels.

Looking for a challenge or to enhance your surfing performance? Try our surfer’s flow classes.

VISIT US 910 GRAND AVENUE #206, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 CHAT 858.539.5742 EMAIL HEATHER@BIRDROCKYOGA.COM

17

Mar Vista High School Utilizes World’s First Wetsuit & Surfboard Hybrid

U

By Hillary Manalac

sers call it, “Being the board” — WaveWrecker is wearable technology that allows users to surf on waves without using a board. WaveWrecker shortens the bodysurfing learning curve for beginners and children. The suit allows parents to feel comfortable about their child’s safety because of the suits buoyancy. Wearing the suit will allow one to float on top of the water.

WaveWrecker has been in the making for six years and has become more than a wetsuit: It is a movement to empower individuals to surf without a board and for parents and children to feel safe during their surfing experience.

Dr. Nick Gadler, founder of the WaveWrecker and longtime bodysurfer, is a native San Diegan who has been practicing oral surgery for 20 years. The idea developed from an experience with his son, while he was teaching him how to swim in their backyard pool. Dr. Gadler kept treading water waiting on the deep end for a long period of time for his son to swim, but his son was too frightened to swim towards him. Then Dr. Gadler grabbed two pool noodles to prop himself up and floated in the water. And that was how the WaveWrecker was made.

“If I can float like this and have the same mobility and buoyancy, I bet I can swim like this freely and definitely catch some waves,” said Dr. Gadler in the beginning of his thought process. This is not your average wetsuit — it takes safety and the surfer experience to the next level with its buoyancy, safety, aesthetics and experience all in one.

Mar Vista High School, San Diego CA. purchased WaveWrecker suits for their after school program.

And the WaveWrecker provided a demonstration for the students at Imperial Beach CA. The WaveWrecker suits helps children overcome their fear of the water and allows them to feel safe while wearing a suit.

Gadler’s goal is for all children who are afraid of the water to overcome their fear. He believes that if his son can get over his fear, any child can with the WaveWrecker. The WaveWrecker is $229.00 for a children’s suit & $249.00 for adults. If you would like your children being safe in the water you better get them a WaveWrecker at https://wavewrecker.com.

18

s t n e d u t S r o f

“WaveW the bo recker shor dysurf tens ing lea curve rn for be ginner ing s and childr en�

19

surf

resort spotlight:

S

By Andrea Bennett

ansara is a sanskrit word for “continuous flow� and this beachfront Panama resort offers just that. The unique, relaxing, yet adventurous feel of Sansara can be experienced through their daily yoga classes, yoga retreats, and surf packages.

Owners Mike and Janel Phillips risked it all to create their dream of a business that connected the mind, body, and earth. We have a few words from Mike about their beautiful boutique resort.

Tell us about Sansara and what make the resort unique?

What makes Sansara unique is we created the first luxury surf and yoga specific retreat center in Panama. Coupled with gourmet organic farm to table food, in house world class surf program, an amazing spa facility and adventure company all under one roof is what sets us apart from the rest.

As well, we offer customer service like no other resort in Panama where we treat our guests like family and cater to their every need.

20

What is the best thing about the location - beautiful Cambutal, Panama?

The location here in Cambutal is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Panama - completely untouched by big or, even medium sized develop-

ments. We are blessed to have locals who care about protecting the environment and who are passionate about educating and preserving it for years to come. We have untouched black sand beaches that stretch for miles in every direction and this is one of the most populated areas for the nesting of turtles in Panama.

Contributing to the community seems like a big factor at Sansara, in what ways do you give back?

Community is very important for our business here at Sansara. We give back through sponsorship programs for the local surf youth, helping them with the funds needed to travel and compete in local competitions. We host beach clean up initiatives as we work with retreat coordinators to work closely with the schools and hospitals in the area to make sure they have adequate supplies on hand.

How does it feel to create an empowering experience for yourself and others through a dream made reality?

This is probably the most rewarding part of what we do here at Sansara. The feeling that not only Janel and I get, but also the staff here at Sansara is something so much greater than words can describe. On a weekly basis, as we get to know the guests and friends who join us here for a week, and see their transformation either in mental gain or physical is absolutely amazing. We shed tears more often than not when we have to say goodbye after a memorable week here at the resort.

To learn more or book a reservation at Sansara, visit their website at sansararesort.com

“The location here in Cambutal is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Panama�

21

22

23

WARM WATER, TROPICAL ADVENTURE, UNCROWDED WAVES. THIS IS SURFER PARADISE. Open since 1998 and located on a small private island off the coast of Panama (Central America), it is a paradise worth discovering!

The Surfer Paradise Surf Camp is actually two islands. One being the big island and then a smaller outer island. The big island has the living accommodations. Private cabanas are located on the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, each with your very own hammock

for that afternoon siesta. Water is supplied by a fresh water spring that is used for drinking and showering. There are left breaks, and right breaks. Beginner breaks, experienced breaks, and advanced surfer breaks.

If your looking for adventure, fun, and SURF, this is the place to visit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CALL 760.632.8014

24

Justin Edward Jachura Co-Founder of Grubby’s Presents:

“Time for a change?”

“Look your best!”

“Experience the best!”

“Book online now!”

waxing | color | men’s services | extensions 401 N. Coast Highway suite J Oceanside, CA 92054

www.Influence-Salon.com | (760)435-0000

25

EXPERIENCE LEUCADIA BEACH INN

To serve visitors traveling along Coast Highway 101 between Los Angeles and Mexico, the Leucadia Inn was constructed in the classic California “horseshoe� design in the late 1920s, and completely renovated in 2005.

Rooms face a friendly central courtyard that is flower and sun filled.

The exterior design of the stucco buildings are of a timeless Southern California hacienda style.

Within walking distance are the fabled Southern California beaches of Leucadia on the spectacular North Coast of San Diego County.

Go back in time, before the arrival of the freeways, and relive the quiet beach-inspired elegance that drew Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, Charlie Chaplin and Spencer Tracy to the picturesque North Coastal area of San Diego County~~ Experience the Leucadia Beach Inn.

Phone: 1-800-706-7461 | 1322 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 www.LeucadiaBeachInn.org | leucadiabeachinn@gmail.com

Miracle Springs is the unique place where business, traditional values and hospitality are merged. Comfortable, business-like with soft artistic touch makes strong impression on all Guests. Inviting you to enjoy its spectacular mountain and desert scenery, newly-decorated rooms and suites, full-service spa, wonderful restaurant, banquet facilities, gift shop, spa boutique and pristine natural hot mineral water pools.

10625 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-251-6000

26

Photos by Marion Cunningham and Team Rider Luke Pelbath

WATER SYSTEMS STARTING AT $9.99/MONTH Whole house water treatment and water softener solutions for high-quality drinking water and soft water for your home and Business.

FOR YOUR HOME: • Water Softener

• Reverse-Osmosis Drinking Water • Whole Home Filtration System • Salt Delivery

FOR YOUR BUSINESS: • Commercial Water Softeners • Reverse Osmosis Water Systems • BottleLESS Water Coolers • Salt Delivery

• Free Water Test

FOR MORE INFORMATION • 888.929-2404 • ecowatersandiego.com 27

By Andrea Bennett

surf artist spotlight

steven belisle What are your favorite materials to use?

Spray paint! I do use a lot of acrylic and paint brush work. Given the choice though, I would definitely choose spay paint as my number one. It’s my favorite.

What gets your creative juices flowing - any rituals or inspirations?

It all depends really; sometimes I have stuff come to me in dreams. I’ve had stuff just sitting on the beach meditating – holdup, hey, a good idea popped in my head I’m gonna go home and paint, or draw that, or get it on a wall somewhere. It comes from all over. I don’t really have a ritual or set thing that I do, the ideas just kinda pop in my head whenever they come.

F

lorida native and self taught artist Steven Belisle recently painted a mural for our Ohana Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The 26-year-old surfer paints anything from surfboards to wall murals. He goes on to discuss how art can be so much more than just a picture on the wall.

Surfing seems like a big part of your life - Does that influence your artwork?

In some ways, looking at different designs on surfboards sometimes influences some of the things I do. It’s more of the ocean than surfing really – growing up on the beach. All the life, the way the water is – everything from the plants to the animals definitely has influence on a lot of pieces I do. A lot of it comes straight from my brain.

28

You’re doing some artwork for our Daytona Beach Ohana Center - How does being able to give back to your community through art impact you?

Yes, I think it’s awesome. The main thing for me is that it’s for the kids. I’m always about that. Here in Flagler, I live across the street from a surf shop. I’m around kids all day, everyday. Artwork is good for them, they appreciate it, it’s better than them staring at a TV, in my opinion. It gives them the insight; they might get into it and find out that they’re good at it. It’s definitely nice to be able to give back in places where the public can see it. It makes me happy when people look at my artwork with a smile on their face. And maybe it will inspire them as well.

29

ride

the

By Gina D, Fitness & Wellness Coach

30

W

e all know that change at times can be uncomfortable, stressful and scary. However, we can’t allow fear to keep us from becoming our best, by not taking chances. Taking a chance, is when you make the decision to not allow obstacles or challenges to keep you from your goals and dreams.

You do have goals and dreams, right! Because if you do and accomplish them your life will be full of adventure and success.

Dreaming of Aloha is coming up….Woot! Woot! it’s a well deserve trip to beautiful Hawaii for Urban Surf 4 Kids youth, who have accomplished goals that has challenge them and taken them out of their comfort zone, to make milestone changes in their lives and others. Now that is what I call an adventure! Riding the waves in Hawaii, relaxing under the beautiful rays of the sun, and enjoying it even more, as you reached expectations and goal for the year. Now that deserves a high 5, fist pump, and ‘Oihana Maika’i (oy-ha-na my-kah ee) which means great work.

Every day we are called to make a change. So we must get out of our comfort zone. This isn’t always easy for many, as this requires adapting. When you are use to a routine or a particular habit, like brushing your teeth or watching your favorite show, it does not require much effort, But, when thinking about graduating from school, or moving to anoth-

er city, learning a new assignment in class, or meeting new friends for the first time can have you on edge.

However, we must ride the wave of change. Stop and look out into the ocean you can’t help but notice the different wave patterns and styles, or how they vary in strength and sizes depending on the wind speed and friction on the water surface because of the boats.

What’s so incredible is how the surfers adapt to every wave he or she faces. They learn to meet the challenge head on through a plan of action. That is how we must face change in our daily lives. Life is all about change from the moment we are born until the day we die.

Therefore, we must understand the reason behind a change, and dig deep within, so that we are not in fear of the unknown.

We must figure out how much control we have over the circumstances, so we can get a perspective on how to handle the situation. In addition, remember to focus on the postitive, it can make a big difference on how you decide to think about change which will govern the way you feel about change. Start embracing it by taking action through problem solving, setting realistic goals or viewing it as an opportunity for growth, rather than a setback.

I would like to say that even if change isn’t what you look forward too, or beyond your control, learn to adapt and accept, know when you embrace challenges with a calm spirit and mind, you have finally realize how to ride the wave of change.

31

L ibby BY

Donalson

32

Imagine being a young boy waking up to the sound of the police breaking down your door. You walk towards the noise to discover the police wrestling your dad to the floor, handcuffing your mom, and putting them both in the back of a police car, all while you stand there watching. Imagine being a young girl going to school in pain. Hurting so badly that you are unable to concentrate; you can only silently cry to yourself. You look up to find your teacher trying to ask if you’re alright, but you cannot speak. Even if you could it wouldn’t matter. When you told your mom about what your dad was doing you were told to never speak of it again.

Concerned, the teacher calls the police. Before you know it you are in a room at Child Protective Services surrounded by strangers and being asked to explain what happened. Every. Single. Awful. Detail. Now imagine being that same child telling your story in front of a judge and 12 strangers they call a jury. As each painful word escapes your mouth you tremble while avoiding the looks of hatred radiating the very people that caused all of the pain. Attorneys are asking all kinds of questions about things you were never suppose to speak about. Things you don’t want to remember. You wish you could just disappear. Imagine.

These are real life scenarios that children we have cared for over the last 10 years have faced. A path that they did not choose, it was chosen for them. Fos-

ter children have experienced the worst of humanity. When we go to sleep in our safe homes and cozy beds, these children are struggling to simply exist, and nighttime can be the most terrifying time. When they are finally found and put into the system the odds are stacked against them. They may be safe, but many are grade levels behind and have years of trauma weighing them down. To them, fitting in and making friends can at times be impossible, because few understand their world.

Now put these kids on the beach with Urban Surf 4 Kids. Surrounding them are peers that have lived a life similar to theirs and understand the challenges they face. Adult speakers inspire the kids by sharing personal stories of hardship and explain how they were

able to overcome this and achieve success in life. Volunteers pass on their love for the water, and for the day offer themselves as a companion as they escape into a playful day without barriers. Urban Surf recognizes that the ocean, in all of it’s majesty, is also an incredible equalizer. Surfing is not easy. But with each wave they successfully ride in the support of a caring community, they are able to feel good about themselves, and take pride in their hard work and achievement. It’s powerful to give kids a feeling that they can. From these events, the kids are now more willing to tackle the difficult tasks they face. After all, if they can stand on a board, in the ocean and ride a wave, while feeling good about themselves, well then, they achieve most anything they face. Thank you US4K for giving them this gift.

33

Saya BY

Nodera

34

Aloha! The Us4K ninja here with an update on our Dreaming of Aloha adventures. If you are just tuning in to Urban Surf 4 Kids and haven’t heard about our Dreaming of Aloha Achievement Program.. here’s a quick recap ;) Once a year, US4K selects foster youth applicants to their Dreaming of Aloha Achievement Program. Once youth are selected, they are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, be in good standings within their group homes, participate in US4K community service projects, water safety course, and complete US4K Code of Conducts and Ethics classes. Upon achieving their goals together as a family, the US4K team takes the group of foster youth on a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii. Most foster youth have never set foot outside of their city or have been on any type of ‘family” vacation before.

It is the goal of Urban Surf 4 Kids to show foster youth that with a little hard work, anything and everything can be achieved. Statistics show that about 65% of foster youth upon exiting the foster care system end up homeless or in jail. Overcome with the haunting memories of their childhood, foster youth often times lose faith in people and mostly, themselves.

Urban Surf 4 Kids provides a family for foster youth linked together by the ocean to cultivate a vision of a more bright and successful future.

Pretty incredible right? We have big dreams and we will achieve them.

Why? Because, we have so much love and a fire that cannot be put out for our foster youth. We have recently selected a group of 16 foster youth this year for our Dreaming ofAloha Achievement Program. We couldn’t be more stoked about the group of amazing youth we have a chance to work and embark on a trip to Hawaii with. You all need to come meet them at our Urban Surf 4 Kids Surf camp!

With the program at full speed, we are also working hard to provide funding for the trip. We need YOUR help to make thedreams of these foster youth come true. Join our efforts by creating your own fundraising page for our annual Surf-a-thon set to take place on September 17th in Ocean Beach!

Stay tuned for another update from the US4K Ninja!

35

book online at www.villajuanitajamaica.com or call 1-876-982-3978 or 1-876-883-1307

hostelwestpuertorico.com | gratefulsoulspr@gmail.com | 787-868-6588 sharing the love and magic of Puerto Rico

BEACHFRONT HOSTEL • PUERTO RICO • FEEL GOOD SURFERS FREE BREAKFAST • ADVENTURES • FRIENDS • SUNSHINE

36

37

Our resort is located on approximately 7 acres, right on Lake Tahoe. There are 140 units located in five buildings. Four buildings are named after a historic figure (Carson, Bliss, Clemens and Baldwin) and one is named after a Tahoe historic site (Richardson).

Some Features - 400 feet of private beach Year round heated pool and 2 outdoor spas - Tennis and Volleyball court - Horseshoes - Gas and charcoal grills at the beach and in the courtyard - Complimentary parking and Wifi

Photo Credit: Bryan Madsen

Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price

3601 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 www.tahoebeachandski.com | 530-541-6220 Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price

38

39

k 4 us r

e mm u s ents ev

June 3th Concert for a Cause, California Chapter Concert for a Cause was a night full of live music

by Cory Leal, Casey Turner, and Ryan Brolliar to raise awareness for Urban Surf 4 Kids.

40

41

June 11th SUP Day Orlando, Florida Chapter Together with Orlando Watersports Complex, we proudly hosted a free paddle board day for foster youth attending the annual foster care conference in Orlando. Out of the 43 youth that attended, only a few had paddle boarded before!

42

43

44

June 20th International Surfing Day with Reef, California Chapter “Last week we celebrated International Surfing Day sharing stoke and waves with Urban Surf 4 Kids. Reef We Heart teamed up with local San Diego based outreach organization, Urban Surf 4 Kids and our Reef Ambassadors for a day at Seaside Reef.

The kids had a great time! There were more than enough waves, shakas, high fives, ice cream and stoke to go around!�

Article/photo credit: http://www.reef.com/blog/international-surfing-day-2016.html#sthash.O0Eu22RY.dpuf

45

46

July 16th SoCal Surf Dogs, California Chapter SoCal Surf Dogs shared some waves with the US4K Ohana. Lunch provided

by Board & Brew, our friends from WaveWrecker joined us to demo their awesome body surfing wetsuits, and we heard an inspiring story of Chris Soriano from Clever Talks. The day was filled with sunshine, smiles, and a whole lot of STOKE!

surf dog day Written by Andra Law It was a beautiful California, sun shinny day. 70 foster youth and 12-14 So Cal Surf Dogs, got together in Ocean Beach for lots of fun and to share the stoke and waves. The four legged surFUR’s went out with the foster youth, both feeling that thrill and rush riding the board to shore.

The surFUR’s were able to help the foster youth balance and stand up on the board, providing more confidence and stability by holding onto the dog’s life jacket. Many people didn’t know dogs can surf, and had never seen them surf until that day.

The smiles, laughter, fun and spending Ohana time was what it was all about. The sheer joy of surfing and with a surFUR dog was a moment to be cherished and remembered.

47

August 20th Surf with a Cop Day, California Chapter Surf with a Cop is so important to US4K. It gives foster youth the opportunity to share some waves with local law enforcement and enables them to have a more personal and positive interaction with each other. We had K-9 demonstration, SED/SWAT vehicle and patrol car, and Sheriff’s Explorers (teen volunteers). Shout out to FOX 5 San Diego for doing a feature on this.

48

49

50

August 27th Cops, Kids and Kayaks, Florida Chapter US4K teamed up with the Crescent City Police in hosting their first annual Cops, Kids, and Kayaks. With a great turnout of about 75 people - kids got to experience sheriff boat rides, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Paddle boarding was the biggest hit!

51

Soak in the Florida Lifestyle.... romantic ~ charming ~ relaxing

Bungalow Beach Resort

Recently awarded TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for “Top Romance in US”

Directly on the beach, Bungalow Beach Resort is reminiscent of a bygone era. Bungalow Beach Resort offers 15 beautifully restored 1930s islandstyle bungalows. Visitors can enjoy accommodations, nestled among the white-sand dunes, sea oats and coconut palms of Anna Maria Island. Enjoy a heated pool, private beach area and much more.

For more information call: 800-779-3601 2000 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 www.bungalowbeach.com

“I came in search of paradise and found it a haven,” a tourist from England had written in the guestbook at Bungalow Beach Resort.

Philadelphia Enquirer

Siesta Key Bungalows

Come and enjoy a Siesta Key getaway at Siesta Key Bungalows… directly on peaceful Heron lagoon. Our 10 charming Bungalows are nestled within a tropical garden and offer large one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Overlook the lagoon as you enjoy our pool, bicycle to the beach, kayak in the peaceful waters, or grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock. Siesta Key Bungalows sits near the #1 Beach in America, plus great shops & restaurants too.

“#1 Best Beach in America”

by Dr. Beach

52

For more information call: 888-574-3782 8212 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Fl. 34242 www.siestakeybungalows.com

Follow us on Facebook.

s t n e v e upcoming

Urban Surf 4 Kids is excited to be growing! Now operating in Florida and California, makes plans to get involved.Visit our website to sign up and volunteers for any of the upcoming events below!

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER Event: Place: Date:

Surfride Paddle for Clean Air Ocean Beach Pier Oct. 2 2016

Event: Place: Date:

5th Annual “Paddle Fest” Bonita Cove Mission Bay Oct. 16, 2016

Event: Place: Date:

US4K “Surf Camp” La Jolla Shores Nov. 13, 2016

Event:

Place: Date:

5th Annual “Deck’em Out 4 the Holidays” gift wrapping party WaveHouse, Mission Beach Dec 17, 2016 FLORIDA CHAPTER

Event: Place: Date:

US4K “Surf with a Cop” Orlando Watersports Complex Oct 29, 2016

Event: Place: Date:

US4K “Surf with a Cop Day” Sun Splash Park Nov. 12, 2016

Please keep a look out on our web site under event page to follow-up with any changes or cancellations. Please take a moment and like us on FaceBook (FB) if you have not done so already.

Thank you to all those that have been such a great support to our program.

Wanna Volunteer? Contact us TODAY! volunteer@us4k.org

53

54

55

56

57

WWW.ARIAUTOWERS.COM

The Ariau Amazon Towers The Largest Treetop Hotel in the World Escape to the natural beauty and wild majesty of the Amazon Rainforest - one of the most exhilarating destinations on the planet. Nestled in a canopy of trees above the Amazon River, Ariau Amazon Towers jewel of the Amazonian Rainforest and the only hotel resort built completely at tree top level in the Jungle.

Experience the ultimate in eco-tourism - from navigating the Amazon River to swimming with rare pink dolphins, to trekking through the rainforest to relaxing in a luxury tree house surrounded by the wonders of nature.

Welcome to Brazil’s largest eco-friendly treetop hotel and discover rejuvenation and adventure in the heart of the Amazon.

Contact Us | 1-877-44-ARIAU | info@ariautowers.com

58

Farm fresh fruits, veggies and natural products delivered to your door.

Live well, Go local & Eat organic!

Choose what goes in your box!

No Start up fees • No Commitment

(858) 946-6882

NaturallyToYourDoor.com

Renting BikeS, SuRfBoARDS PADDleBoARDS &

fun!

3689 Mission Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92109

3715 Mission Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92109

1-800-941-7761 www.cheap-rentals.com

59

60

61

62

63

64

65