Through surfing and SUPing but most importantly our incredible volunteers, who collectively with our surf schools create a safe space to build confidence and self-esteem, develop resilience, and make friends. The Wave Project is making a positive impact. 

As a charity its not been the easiest of years, last year we saw more young people than ever before, we had the longest of seasons working through the lockdowns. We also had less money coming in as we had no events on. Locally, in South Devon like many of our other areas  our core funding came to an end. With services not commissioned yet, we are reliant on fundraising and grants. 

Since I got involved with The Wave Project one thing which has been constant is our amazing community. Parents, Children and Volunteers as well as strangers and my own friends have stepped up and fundraised. From setting their own challenges, becoming members to make regular donations and then we have incredible support from businesses like Rockfish, Venus Cafe, Quayclick, Bishops Flemming and many more read more on our Devon page here: 
Devon - Wave Project : Wave Project

I've decided to get on board and join our challenge 22. An idea which came from our Newquay Project and has been taken up across the UK to try and plug the funding gaps. We want to continue to support more children benefit what we do. The campaign is to raise £22k for 2022. 

It started as a winter challenge, to keep the winter blues away by doing the "22 Challenge" and we have extended it. I'm asking you to think of a way you can challenge yourself to do 22 different things e.g. going for 22 cold water dips, 22 surfs/SUPs, having 22 people to a coffee morning, walking 22 miles of coast path. I've loved seeing your ideas! 

My own winter challenge was to go around Burgh Island 22 times over a month but the swell and weather and also having a chunk of annual leave to use it didn't happen, well until now. I've decided to try and do it in a day.

Once again the community are being amazing from my colleague Tom taking a day off to come and paddle around, to friends Lizzy and Becky moving plans to join me for a lap, as I paddle. I'm hoping the weather and sea state will play ball, If you do fancy popping down get in touch and join me for a lap katies@waveproject.co.uk - subject: Burgh Island 22  

A little about Wave Project in case you've not heard of us... Wave Project is a registered charity that supports children and young people who experience a range of physical and mental health issues, social deprivation or social isolation. We do this in a whole host of ways from Wave Rangers, Surf t Work, Surf Club, Surf Therapy and later this year excitingly we are starting a pilot into SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Therapy in Exeter. All of these projects require a professional working with them to refer them into the project. 

We do offer a few other bits Beach School and Beach Back to School an alternative education program currently running from our Newquay office. Like the programs above young people are referred by a professional working with them. 

Adaptive Surfing which is for any age and is a paid for service. We make a surf lesson work for anyone or groups needs. Someone might need extra support in the water or a piece of equipment adapted and our adaptive lead works to make this happen across the UK. 

Finally our summer surf challenge which is a free to attend surf taster session each year, for those who aren't sure if surfing is for them and will need extra support this is their chance to give it a go and its a real celebration of what we do. 

What does £22k look like, it allows for us to pay for 80 surf club/surf therapy sessions - 10 children in each which cost £15,000. This goes directly to our locally surf schools plus the cost of core staff for those sessions, it would be fantastic to know we have the money to be able to be able to commit to these sessions. Whilst this might seem an unrealistic challenge but we really believe we can do it if we all pull together. 

So if you fancy joining me for a lap, or can support or spread the word about The Wave Project. Please do, your kind act will have a positive ripple effect. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Best Wishes 

Katie Smith | South Devon Coordinator

(Bigbury, Exeter, Goodrington and Sidmouth)

katies@waveproject.co.uk