By Claudia Urbano, Rotary Service and Engagement Staff
Are you a Rotary, Rotaract or Interact member or would you like to connect with change makers in your region? Are you a surfer, bodyboarder, kitesurfer, stand-up paddleboarder, windsurfer, or simply consider yourself a beach enthusiast? Do you want to make a difference in your community, travel, host others and plan events? If so, then the Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship (SURF) is for you!
SURF is a Rotary Fellowship whose members are passionate about surfing, the environment, and giving back to their communities. Their mission is to introduce people to surfing, attract young people to Rotary, build connections, and provide mentorship. They host a variety of events, such as surf outings, beach cleanups, and fundraisers. They also partner with other surfing-related organizations on fun activities. For example, SURF volunteers at Life Rolls On events, which give people with disabilities a chance to surf using adaptive surfboards.
Brett Morey, SURF founder and past president of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle in California (USA) says: “We talk all the time about bringing youth into Rotary. This is the type of social event that allows us to grow Interact clubs, Rotaract and Rotary while involving friends in the surf community.”
SURF has more than 1100 members in 36 countries, including countries that have no access to oceans, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary. Some of their most recent Lifetime members have joined from Hawaii and the United Kingdom. The fellowship is a reminder that the ocean is a global resource that connects us all. No matter where we live, we can all do our part to protect it. SURF organizes clean-up events that take place in various locations all over the world.
Whether you’re a beginner surfer, a seasoned professional, or a beach enthusiast, SURF is a great way to:
- Connect with other like-minded individuals
- Learn new skills
- Have fun
- Participate in shoreline clean ups
- Enjoy the outdoors
- Get involved in your community and make a difference in the world
Check out this video and visit the Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship website to learn more about them and how you can get involved in your region with other members.
June is Rotary Fellowships Month! We are celebrating by sharing inspirational stories from Fellowships all month. We hope these stories inspire you to join or start a Rotary Fellowship. Learn more about Rotary’s more than 100 Fellowships and the activities they undertake. Email rotaryfellowships@rotary.org if you have an idea for a new Fellowship you don’t see listed.
Service in Action 
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