Make a Wave challenge kicks off with community paddle-out

CARDIFF, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) – The fifth annual Make a Wave challenge, a global initiative by SurfAid in partnership with Rip Curl, begins on Tuesday.

Surfers of all levels around the globe, including many in San Diego, committed to surfing every day of September to raise vital funds to bring clean water and healthcare to remote surf communities. 

Community paddle-outs have been organized across the globe to kick off the challenge. On Sunday, Aug. 31, join SurfAid in the lineup to celebrate the start of September at Pipes Beach near lifeguard tower 19 at 6:00 p.m. 

"I'm stoked to be surfing every day of September for the challenge, and I think it is our responsibility as surfers to pay it forward," said San Diego's paddle out organizer Katia Gibson. "The sport gives us so much joy, community and opportunities – one of those being raising funds with SurfAid for remote communities in Indonesia to have access to clean water, improved sanitation and food security. See you in the lineup!"

It’s not too late to register and make a wave of impact. For more information, visit MakeaWave.co or FOX 5/KUSI.

SurfAid is a global non-profit dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of families in remote surf communities, with a geographical focus on the heartlands of surfing where few visitors but surfers go, across Indonesia and Solomon Islands. 

"It's always exciting to see enthusiasm from surfers across the globe come together to support individuals and families living in remote communities connected to us through surfing," said SurfAid international development manager Elan Eriquez." Although September is just around the corner, there's still time to get involved and sign up. Just head to MakeaWave.co to create your profile, then get out there and have fun!"

If you can’t surf every day, SurfAid encourages other options to stay involved, such as taking a guilt-free “Lay Day” for $25 or altering the challenge to suit your needs.