Did you know District Governor Don Fipps joined Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship as a Lifetime member more than five years ago? Not only can Don throw a proper shaka he and his wife Donna quickly embraced Surfers Unite because it attracts members to Rotary while creating fun and relevant service projects in San Diego and across the globe. Surfers Unite now has members in 38 countries. There are four SoCal events you just might want to participate in and extend an invite to friends in the surfing community to join as well. All Surfers Unite events are open to Rotarians, family members, Rotaract, Interact and those who wish to make a difference. So, what exactly can volunteers do? Well for those who want to serve on our Life Rolls On crew we will take disabled children and adults surfing. Volunteers will be working the registration desk, handing out jerseys, assisting with wheelchair transfers, serving as photographers, assisting in the water and many other capacities. Know a teen or college student considering a career in the medical field? Let us introduce you to some of the best Occupational and Physical Therapists in Southern California and cheer folks on from the shore. Register today to serve on Team Pink with Surfers Unite at Huntington Beach August 26 or La Jolla Shores on September 23 and use the opportunity to invite surfers you know in your club. Know someone who has some mobility challenges? Get them set up as a participant in Life Rolls On.
We also have the 100 Wave Challenge for Boys to Men Mentoring which will be held Sept 16 at Mission Beach just South of the coaster. This event is insane as a group of Surfers Unite members on the Degree 33 Surfboards team and 250 other surfers catch 100 waves each to raise funds for at-risk teenage boys. in fact, they expect to once again raise over $500k for this amazing non-profit which serves over 800 teens in more than 30 San Diego area schools. To contribute to the cause or volunteer for this event simply text "100 Wave" to 858-602-2532 or visit the Surfers Unite site.
The Supergirl Pro in Oceanside (Sept 22-24) features an incredible women's empowerment event with the top women surfers in the world and more volunteers are needed to assist with this Qualifying Series event sponsored by Nissan. This is truly an unique opportunity to work behind the scenes as volunteers will help in the athletes area, with registration, judges' area, VIP areas, as photographers and perhaps even security. Finals day is that Sunday and more than 25,000 will attend...who will wear the 2023 Supergirl cape?
Lastly, we will finish the month of September with the City2Surf Learn to Surf event and Hope Leadership Academy in Del Mar on the 30th. According to Lifetime member and D5340 Membership Chair Ranjan Lahiri "Surfers Unite events are ideal for any club looking to grow membership." Ranjan will lead the City2Surf event. Come and be inspired as Surfers Unite takes 80 to 100 inner city kids from Southeast San Diego and the South Bay surfing each year in conjunction with Del Mar Surf Sessions. According to Big Kahuna Vince Ponce of the Rotary Club of Carlsbad Hi Noon, "This is a great opportunity for these terrific kids to enjoy games, art projects and learn to surf. It's one of my favorite events of the year!" Volunteers will be needed on land and in the water plus you get to park at the old Del Mar Train Station for free with lunch provided.
Register for all the Surfers Unite events and be sure to share the flyer and opportunities with those you want to join the family of Rotary. For more info contact Brett Morey, Founder of Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship by texting "SURF" to 858-602-2532 or register online directly on the Events page at: www.surfersunite.org