The nomination window for the prestigious 2025 Aloha Award is now open, with submissions closing on March 31. This unique award honors individuals who make a profound impact in the world of surf therapy and ocean conservation, embodying the true spirit of Aloha.
The Aloha Award, now in its 8th year, recognizes those who tirelessly work to spread positivity, whether in the surf community or beyond. If you know someone who constantly brings light to others, regardless of challenges, or if you believe you fit this description, consider nominating them for this special recognition. Nominees stand the chance of winning a week-long trip to the Namotu Resort in Fiji, alongside a $12,000 grant to support their ongoing efforts.
Presented by the International Surf Therapy Organization, the award seeks to celebrate individuals who are making waves in surf therapy and ocean conservation, promoting the power of surfing to heal and protect. The nomination process remains open until the end of March, so take a moment to reflect on the remarkable people in your life who might deserve this recognition.
Notable Past Winners and Finalists
Last year’s Aloha Award winner, Babacar Thiaw, or “Babs,” from Senegal, made significant strides in sustainability and community care. He converted his cafe, the Copacabana Surf Village, into the first zero-waste cafe in Senegal and spearheaded a nationwide movement, helping 65 other cafes adopt similar eco-friendly practices. Additionally, Babs’s cafe provides meals for 50 street children daily. With his Aloha Award prize money, he purchased 100 trash cans for local beaches and helped establish regular waste collection in his area. He also provided mattresses and food for the children he supports.
The runner-up for the 2024 award, Dr. Giovanni Martinez, founded Surf4Dem in Puerto Rico, a program that uses surf therapy to help children with autism improve their communication skills, sensory processing, and muscle tone. His work also encourages family participation, offering a holistic approach to therapy that benefits both children and their parents.
Marcelo Alvarez from Chile received recognition for founding Surf Therapy Coquimbo, Chile’s first surf therapy program, which serves vulnerable communities, including children with disabilities and those in high-risk environments. His initiative has impacted hundreds of lives, particularly in remote areas of Coquimbo, and he has mobilized over 50 volunteers to advance this important cause.
Drew McPherson, the National Campaign Manager for Surfrider Foundation Australia, was another standout in 2024. Known for his dedication to marine conservation, Drew played a pivotal role in the successful campaign to stop a seismic blasting project that threatened millions of hectares of ocean. He is also a co-founder of Surfing The Spectrum, an organization that introduces children on the autism spectrum to the therapeutic benefits of surfing.
Nominate a Hero
If you know someone who, like Babs, Giovanni, Marcelo, or Drew, is making a lasting difference in the surfing or ocean conservation communities, now is the time to nominate them for the 2025 Aloha Award. The opportunity to recognize their dedication and support their ongoing work could make a world of difference.
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