Make A Wave Challenge – 30 Days of Surfing for a Cause
This September, surfers from around the world are paddling out with a purpose. The fifth annual Make A Wave Challenge, powered by SurfAid, is back, Women and Waves have jumped on board again and it’s about more than just catching waves. It’s about using our love of the ocean to create real change for families living beside some of the world’s most remote and iconic waves.
What Is the Make A Wave Challenge?
From September 1st to 30th, rookies and pros alike are committing to surf every single day for 30 days straight. Each wave caught, each paddle out, each salty sunrise surf session adds up to something much bigger: raising funds and awareness for SurfAid.
SurfAid is a non-profit organisation making a huge difference in remote communities across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and beyond. Their work helps families access clean water, healthcare, sanitation, and food security – essentials that many of us take for granted, but that are life-changing in these communities. This is particularly close to our heart as we deliver our annual Bali island retreat in Indonesia and love to do what we can to support the local communities that we work in.
Women + Waves Joins the Movement
We’re so excited that our very own homegrown Women and Wave mini-team riders, Mila Barber and Annabelle Busby, will be taking part in this year’s challenge. These young surfers are already showing that the surf community is about more than just riding waves – it’s about giving back, connecting, and making a positive impact.
And it’s not just about surfing. The challenge is open to everyone. Whether you surf, swim, bodyboard, or simply commit to a daily ritual like yoga, stretching, or breathwork – the goal is consistency, community and contribution. Mila and Annabelle are going to surf every day, regardless of the conditions and you can follow their journey on the Women and Waves socials.
Why It Matters
For families in isolated coastal regions, access to basic services can be extremely limited. By supporting SurfAid, you’re helping to:
- Provide clean drinking water through wells and filtration systems
- Support mothers and babies with essential healthcare
- Improve sanitation and hygiene to reduce illness
- Strengthen food security with community-led farming projects
Every donation raised through the Make A Wave Challenge goes directly towards these life-changing initiatives.
How you can help!
At Women + Waves, we believe in the power of community and the ocean to transform lives. This September, we’ll be cheering on Mila, Annabelle, our followers that choose to participate and everyone taking part in the Make A Wave Challenge. Please watch our social media for updates and help us by sharing the information so that we can spread the message for and wide about the plight of those in the rural surf communities that don’t have access to basic sanitation facilities, food and shelter. You can financially support the movement by sponsoring them to take part in the challenge:
https://makeawave.co/mila-annabelle
