Fire Relief Through Surfing: Events, Relief Fund & Ocean Therapy

On Monday, January 20, 2025, Aqua Surf hosted a free “Kids & Community Surf Day” to support families and children impacted by the recent devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. The event, held at Lifeguard Tower 28 in Oceanpark, Santa Monica was all about bringing the community together and bring on some joy and normalcy after a rough few weeks.

Like so many thousands of Angelenos, many of Aqua Surf’s students, their families, and staff were directly or indirectly affected by the fires with many losing their homes. In response to this challenging time, the Aqua Surf team organized this event to provide a space for healing, play, connection and importantly – some classic fun!

In response to the devastating January 2025 fires, Aqua Surf is launching a scholarship fund to support families who have lost their homes. We’ve dedicated a $20,000 fund to provide complimentary and discounted surf camp experiences for children impacted by the tragedy. This initiative isn’t just about words—it’s about action. Our goal is to offer a safe, healing space where kids can experience the therapeutic power of the ocean while creating lasting memories with friends and their instructors. To learn more about and apply for  surf scholarships, visit our Surf Scholarships page here.

We’re also inviting our community to join the effort. We welcome anyone so inclined to donate a week of camp to a family in need. Please email us at info@aquasurf.com to amplify the impact of this fund. Whether it’s through direct contributions or simply sharing this information with someone affected, every gesture makes a difference. Aqua Surf is committed to helping our community heal in the best way we know how, by bringing comfort, joy, and some classic surf stoke in the waves.

Surfing has the power to heal, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. The ocean offers a space to leave behind life’s troubles, connect with nature, and share moments with friends and mentors. Waves challenge us, teach resilience, and remind us to laugh at ourselves—a lesson especially vital for kids.

With a natural disaster on our doorstep, we’re grateful for surfing as an outlet for our community. In 2025, we will be focusing initiatives on supporting those most affected by the fires however we can, from community events, to scholarships, to our range of surfing programs.