"Everything started with knocking on the families' door"
Surf Cerrito, established in November 2021 by Brayan Hilario and Daisy Hill-Norton, is a passion project aimed at introducing the children of Cerrito de la Virgen to the transformative power of surfing. Brayan, a local surf instructor, and Daisy, hailing from the UK, share a profound love for the ocean and saw an opportunity to connect the community with this ancient sport. Despite initial resistance from parents unfamiliar with surfing, the duo persevered, gradually gaining trust and support.
​
Their efforts bore fruit as they successfully ran weekly surf classes that grew in popularity with each session. Bolstered by the support of the Founder Family, they established a Surf Academy at the heart of Cerrito de la Virgen, complete with facilities to store surf gear and accommodate expanding class sizes.
With 30 enthusiastic kids now regularly attending lessons, Surf Cerrito has become a hub for fostering connections with both nature and community. By tapping into the region's rich surfing heritage and promoting mental health benefits, they aspire to introduce even more children to the sea, expanding their positive impact within the community of Cerrito de la Virgen.
About
Surf Cerrito
Hoping to use surfing to empower,
create connections with nature,
build a strong, loving community.
Our mission
Empowering the young people of the North Peruvian community of Cerrito de la Virgen and beyond through surfing.
Our Vision
We hope to one day have an International Surf Champion from Cerrito de la Virgen.
We aim to give every child from Cerrito de la Virgen the opportunity to experience the incredible benefits of the ocean by learning to surf the waves of Huanchaco; a World Surf Reserve.
Why surfing
Surf therapy can be used to help people children who face social challenges and trauma make meaningful connections, build confidence and process their trauma. It teaches them coping skills and builds stronger communities that can support each other.
Nature Connection
Surf therapy often takes place in natural settings, such as beaches, where participants can connect with the healing power of the ocean and the outdoors.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Riding waves requires focus and presence in the moment, fostering mindfulness and relaxation as participants concentrate on the task at hand and let go of stressors.
Physical Activity
Surfing involves physical movement and coordination, providing participants with a form of exercise that can improve strength, balance, and overall fitness.
Therapeutic Alliance
Surf therapists often develop strong relationships with participants, fostering trust and creating a safe space for emotional expression and personal growth through the shared experience of surfing.
We help through surfing. You can help through donating!
The story of Surf Cerrito
01.
Eco-Friendly Design
02.
Multilingual Functionality
03.
Advanced Tech
04.
Licensed
Professionals
Where are we?
The heart of Surf Cerrito is in Cerrito de la Virgen, a community on the outskirts of Huanchaco, a World Surf Reserve on the north coast of Peru. The majority of the inhabitants of Cerrito de la Virgen arrived seeking refuge after being displaced by the El Niño phenomenon of 1997/8. When they arrived at Cerrito, each family was given a small piece of land, limited food and materials to help construct their new homes. There was no running water or sewage system when they arrived over two decades ago, and the situation has not changed since despite countless promises made by the local government to install these basic essentials.
​
Cerrito de la Virgen is a very welcoming community that has supported our work since the beginning, and invites people in with open arms, despite facing difficult living conditions. We hope that through Surf Cerrito, we can unite the community even more and encourage the children of today to be positive and influential leaders of tomorrow, to lead the people of their community in developing their town and surrounding communities into places that foster positive change and promising futures.
Huanchaco, which boasts world class waves, is located a 10 minute drive from Cerrito. It is a hotspot for travelling surfers and is home to world class ceviche restaurants, funky hostels and a laid-back vibe that often traps wandering travellers. Located a 20 minute drive from Trujillo, Peru’s third largest city, it is easily accessible by bus or plane from almost anywhere in Peru.
Meet the Team
Here is our wonderful team that make the magic happen
