Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting short videos from the people on our team at the Water’s Edge Project.
WEP Co-Founder Christian Moutinho is up first, sharing a little bit about how he came to know Barra de la Cruz and how his love for the people and the waves in this community led to the Water’s Edge Project being born just over a year ago.
Enjoy!
The WEP team has officially wrapped up its trip to Barra and while it’s good to be home, we are already missing the great folks, hot sun and of course the epic waves in Barra de la Cruz.
The last couple of days in Barra were very busy for our team:
On May 3rd, we were lucky enough to get to take part in one of the town’s biggest annual festivals: Folks from the town and surrounding areas get together to share food, drink and to dance the night away. It was quite the fiesta and while it was great to see so many people having so much fun, the mountain of styrofoam food containers, beer bottles and plastic cups strewn everywhere made us realize that while we have come a long way in helping to educate and get people caring about keeping their community clean, we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
With the help of our team of local ‘champions’ on the ground in Barra coupled with the support of our organizers and supporters here in Canada, however, I am sure the WEP is more than up to the challenge!
Stay tuned for more pics and updates, coming soon!
The WEP team, above, has been a busy bunch these last few days!
After speaking with the staff at the local elementary school, we were asked to help them put together an earthquake preparedness plan, as well as give a talk on recycling and a first aid workshop. After working with the staff on day 1, we put our plan to the test first thing the next morning doing a full earthquake drill with the entire school. We couldn`t be happier with how smoothly it all went and the great reception we got from everyone.
We also held a packed surboard ding repair clinic for thel local groms. Since the clinic, we keep coming across small groups of kids huddled together with face masks on and bits of sandpaper working away on their boards…also great to see.
On the agenda over the weekend is a much-anticipated remote beach cleanup. We have rented a boat for the day and will take a group of local kids along to tidy up the beach and surf a few waves to cool off!
Stay tuned for more pics and updates as we wrap up what has been an amazing trip.
The Water’s Edge Project would never have gotten off the ground if it weren’t for the amazing locals we have worked with. It is incredible to see ordinary folks stepping up to champion positive change in their communities and environment.
Which brings me to Victor. He’s the guy you see in the picture above, helping lead a community garbage cleanup earlier this month. He even printed the Water’s Edge Project on his T-shirt for the event…how cool is that?!
WEP co-founder, Christian Moutinho met Victor about eight years ago…just before the RIp Curl Search event put Barra de la Cruz on the map of world-class surfing destinations. He was on a surf trip to Puerto Escondido and went off in search of a wave he had heard someone hinting about in town.
After a few hours of searching, he stumbled across the beautiful pueblo (and perfect waves) of Barra. He has since been back many times and in that time, got to know many of the local kids, including Victor.
Christian explains that Victor always stood out to him as a standout kid that was keen to help anyone that came to town, or to share some waves. Today, he has a young family of his own, aspires to be an Ecologist and is a strong advocate for his community and the environment.
He is bursting with ideas about where WEP can focus its efforts when we head down for a visit next month and beyond and we can’t wait to get to work!
Got plans next Wednesday after work?
If so, I hope it’s to join us at what will be an evening of some superb folks and madly talented artists showcasing their film and photos of the great blue yonder….Of course, I’m talking about our If By Sea Event, being held at Habit Coffee (552 Pandora Ave).
Oh yeah, and there will also be some superb silent auction and giveaway items, not to mention delectable food from La Taquisa and local brew from Spinnakers!
Doors open at 6:30 – Get yer tix for 12 bucks in advance at HtO , Sitka, Coastline Surf and Sport or for 15 at the door.
All proceeds go to the Water’s Edge Project and the Surfrider Foundation!
Be there!
It’s been almost a year since we established WEP and made our first visit to the very special community of Barra de la Cruz, Mexico.
Our goal was pretty ambitious: Connect with the community, identify where the biggest need was and help to set the stage for sustainable change in three core areas: Environmental stewardship, health and first aid, and community development.
With just a couple of months to prepare and two weeks planned in Mexico, it is amazing to look back and see what was accomplished such a short time. In addition to connecting with and getting feedback from a number of youth and other community ambassadors, the hard work of our team in Barra and the support of our donors and sponsors allowed us to:
Phew!
Last year’s trip was just the first of what we hope to be many initiatives that promote sustainable, healthy and clean coastal communities on this big blue planet of ours. In fact, we’re heading to Barra again in just a few weeks to continue our work with this very special community…and we can’t wait to get back!
Please tune in here for updates on our upcoming trip and for information on how you help, like donating through our website or attending events, like this one being held at Habit Coffee in Victoria on March 28!
The Water’s Edge Project has officially launched into the blogosphere…and we’re stoked!
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Thanks for your support – stay tuned!
The Water's Edge Project 