Dion’s Reflections from Huanchaco: Life as a Surf Cerrito Volunteer

Surf Cerrito was my first time both volunteering and working with kids, and safe to say it was an incredible experience. I have gained so much love for children, and humanity in general. For me personally, the thought of interacting with kids has always made me uncomfortable just based of inexperience, however teaching and

imparting knowledge is something that i believe is part of my inherent nature.

The concept of Surf Therapy was the key factor that stood out to me, using the tool of the ocean as a physiological medium towards empowerment, especially dedicated towards underprivileged communities. The physical avenue of sport/surf, combined with the essence of mothernature made a lot of sense to me, so I was drawn to this opportunity. The kids who come into the school are from a wide range of ages, but the things they share in common are great energy and underlying love. One thing I appreciate about the flexibility of Surf Cerrito is that they also run sessions during the week to accommodate for extra curriculum workshops, providing the opportunity for a wide range of teachings/activities, which keeps it fun and rewarding. The workload is completely voluntary, so whether you want to make a big or small difference is entirely up to you, and any hand on deck is always appreciated.

The Surf Cerrito Organisation is a genuine effort from the team - collaborating the work from internationals all over the world with key members from the local community, being a huge part of the day-to-day operations. Being part of the Surf Cerrito family means being part of the local community, which was apparent from the first day. The cultural immersion, facilitated by the community relations, made my short-lived experience in Huanchaco so genuinely unique and truly unforgettable. As a volunteer, residing in Huanchaco, the accommodation in the shared house is honestly more than what I could have asked for - certainly a huge upgrade from the hostel life. I appreciated being able to work with people from all over the world, meeting talent from all walks of life, and despite our differences, effectively collaborating towards the objectives of Surf Cerrito. The shared house is also located close to the local market; honestly as someone who loves to cook and eat healthy, I found the experience pretty ideal, being able to just indulge in fresh and organic produce on a day-to-day basis. I literally had the best avocado everyday for 6 weeks straight. Finally, living close to the beach is just the best excuse to surf everyday! Of course, a perfect opportunity to improve your skills and also immerse into the distinct surf culture of Huanchaco.