S4Y Program

Surf 4 Youth

History of S4Y

Andrea Diaz began her career as a surfer in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Through hard work and determination, she traveled the world representing Costa Rica in international championships. Motivated by her love of surfing and commitment to excellence, Andrea felt compelled to share her knowledge of surfing to help improve the lives of the underprivileged children of Guanacaste. In 2012 Surf for Youth (S4Y) was born.

Due to the enormous size of this undertaking, Andrea knew she needed strategic community partners Shortly after the formation of S4Y, non profit organization CEPIA (Culture, Education and Psychology for Infants and Adolescents) came alongside S4Y. CEPIA has been promoting culture, health, sports and education for children, teenagers and their families from poor backgrounds in the communities of Guanacasta, Costa Rica since 2005.

History of S4Y

What are the goals of S4Y?

The primary goal of S4Y is to present the sport of surfing to children who would never have this opportunity due to a lack of financial resources. Surfing, as with any sport, teaches these children important life skills such as:

Discipline, Commitment, Dedication and Trust

This, in turn, gives them hope in the future and motivates them to see life in a new light and to enjoy it no matter their situation.

What has S4Y achieved?

  • Fransisco Coronado, 1st generation S4Y participants, has competed within the Costa Rican national surfing team. He travelled with the team to countries like Japan and USA. First generation surfers are now helping out as volunteers in the program to guide younger kids.
  • All graduated S4Y participants have finished high school.
  • Full Sponsorship for 2 students who both graduated from a private high school and are now in College, with support of TIDE academy and La Paz school.
  • English tutoring , medical care and psychological counseling have been provided to kids that asked for it /need it.
  • Additional physical training provided by KOA training and Bfit retreat
  • The kids participate in volunteering work like planting trees.
  • Kids compete in the National and local Surf Circuit.
  • New surfboards have been donated to some kids.
  • S4Y kids are role models in their communities.
  • Noticeably improved behavior and school grades.

What are the needs of S4Y?

  • Construction of a community center for S4Y in Tamarindo
  • Funding for Motivational Activities
  • Surfboards
  • Leashes, fins, rash guards, wax
  • Books and school Supplies
  • Food/snacks for Training sessions
  • More Volunteers (surfers and trainers)
  • Financial contributions to pay for
  • Tournament inscriptions and lodging
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Photos courtesy of Carla Rowlings.
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