SurfAid was born out of curiosity. The organization that promotes public health and supports disaster relief efforts in some of the most remote areas of Indonesia was founded 18 years ago by surfer and physician Dave Jenkins. On a Mentawai boat trip, Dr. Dave wondered to himself what life was like “beyond the palms” of the shoreline, and ventured alone to find out. He walked past a graveyard littered with tiny graves – the result of young children dying from malaria, malnutrition, and other preventable illnesses. It changed his life.
Since that day, SurfAid’s gone on to save countless lives. All because one man wanted to understand how the other half lives in an archipelago where surfers pour in by the thousands to chase epic waves by boat.
Recently, Courtney Conlogue and Dave Rastovich had the opportunity to visit Nias and see some of SurfAid’s work in some of the islands most remote villages first-hand.
“I’m sure a lot of traveling surfers have spent time in the Nias area and it’s really cool to have a deeper look at what’s happening,” says Dave. “I just think it’s been amazing how SurfAid’s taken a lot of that into account and that it’s local people that are taking care and looking after each other.”
Editor’s note: Throughout the whole month of September, SurfAid is seeking to share stories from the field and raise awareness about the organization’s Mother and Child Health programs in an initiative called #SurfAidSeptember. To learn more and to find out how you can support, click here.
