SurfAid International is a non-profit humanitarian organisation, whose aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in remote areas connected to us through surfing. It was started by a group of concerned surfers in 2000 who were moved by the needless suffering and preventable death in the Mentawai Islands.

The Mentawai (Men-ta-why) Islands, with a population of 70,000 people, are situated 150km to the west of Sumatra, Indonesia near some of the most famous surf breaks in the world. The serious isolation of the islands has led to significant community health issues. In general, the Mentawai people have poor nutrition and suffer from a high prevalence of treatable and preventable diseases accompanied by low levels of understanding of their causes. They are also vulnerable to major natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

SurfAid, in partnership with communities and government, works to prevent disease, suffering and death through community-based educational programs. SurfAid’s main goal is to empower the communities so as to foster health and resilience that is sustainable.