Surf To School

Surf To School Day is a 'surf' themed day held at school, creating a beach & surf atmosphere with the Aloha spirit. All students and teachers wear board shorts, sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, Leis, sarongs, zinc, sunglasses and sun hats. Each student brings a 'pocket money' or 'spare change' donation to participate. Every child, and their school, can make it as unique, educational and as fun as they like.

Surf To School was officially launched by 11 year old Winter Vincent and Jon Rose on Feb 13th, 2015 at Manly Beach, Australia. Since then over 30 schools around the world have hosted a Surf To School day, clearly demonstrating that kids can make a difference in the world.

Check out the Winter the Grommet video!

“A very enthusiastic crowd of support in the school and wider community was shown for another kid who is showing that Surf To School Day gives kids an opportunity to be agents for change.”- Parent

“We loved this experience and hope to keep this fundraiser going, to have Surf To School become an annual tradition.” - School Teacher

“ Winter and his Surf To School program is viewed as our local inspiration – our students are of similar age and his work inspired them to pursue their desire to help others.” - School Principal

Just after his 9th birthday Winter was inspired by pro surfers getting involved with World Water Day. Seeing photos of them doing what they love, surfing amazing waves, and helping along the way, ignited a spark. Inspired, Winter penned his thoughts down. From this brainstorming session came a speech and a concept- "Kids Can Make a Difference". Winter presented this speech to his school where he spoke directly to his peers about how simple it is to make a difference regardless of age. Surf To School Day was born. Following the success of his fundraiser, Winter and his family embarked on a trip to the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, to deliver and implement the water filters that Winter's efforts had provided. The Mentawai islands are world famous for their surf and beautiful islands, however they belong to a region severely lacking in access to clean water. One in five Indonesian kids under the age of five die from dirty drinking water. It made sense to focus his efforts here, combining his passion for surfing with giving back to the communities he visited. This first trip to Indonesia was a life changing one. "It was the most amazing feeling to see a simple water filter changing these families' lives....We left knowing they would have clean drinking water now for up to 10 years.” Maintaining and building relationships plays a crucial role in Surf To School's long-term commitment to the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia. Each Phase will receive ongoing support from the Phases that follow it. This means further supply of filters, rain catchment solutions, follow-up visits in the field, updated field reports, and ongoing 'buddy' relationships between children who have been involved in fundraising and those impacted by the Waves For Water work. Since 2014, Surf To School has implemented over 200 filters and installed 3 water tanks in remote Northern and Central Mentawai island regions, as well as Bali, through work with local partners over three phases. This has impacted up to 22,000 people.

How do I Surf To School?

• Ask your principal ! (Letter to School Principal)

• Promote the day (poster)

Any questions? - contact wintergkv@gmail.com