In 2009, professional surfer, Jon Rose, believed there could be a more meaningful way to participate in the world - a way to do what he loved, while helping people along the way. That inspired him to create, Waves For Water (W4W), a targeted, special-ops style, non-profit organization where we focus on correcting the imbalances of water scarcity, in developing communities around the world.
At the center of our efforts is empowerment. Supported by the belief in developing and empowering local networks, we always implement our programs through the local teams of volunteers and community leaders, that we cultivate in the beginning stages of any program. This process enables us to connect with a community on a deeper level, by establishing trust and rapport, over time – which, ultimately, ensures the highest potential for a truly sustainable program.
Over the past ten years we have implemented 155 clean water programs, in 48 countries–using water filtration systems (150,000), bore-hole wells, and rainwater harvesting systems; impacting an estimated 3,750,000 people. In addition to our primary focus around providing clean water, we also coordinate and execute natural disaster relief efforts around the world. We have responded to 33 major natural disasters, to date–including initiatives in Nepal, Bosnia, Philippines, Indonesia, Haiti, Japan, Chile, and Pakistan.
When we talk about protecting waves, we are referring to surf ecosystems.
Save The Waves is committed to protecting these unique coastal zones that create breaking waves, provide crucial habitats for wildlife, and offer sanctuary for the local communities that depend on its preservation.
We are committed to protecting 1,000 surf ecosystems by 2030. For all of us.