Coaching Surf in Waianae

    Today was an incredible day. A team of us went down to Waianae on the west side of the island. We met up with a kids club there that is set up as a recreational program for kids who come from low income families and many of whom live on the streets and beaches with their parents. Every wednesday we are coaching a surf/swimming class for them. We are helping them one-on-one to work on improving their water skills. You'd think that every kid in Hawaii would know how to swim. But, several of the kids, even though they have grown up next to the water  their whole lives have never had anyone take the time to teach them how to swim. Some kids are still learning how to hold their breath under water and float on their own while others are already paddling fast on the board and popping up on their feet. 

    I was paired up with a little girl named Emily. It was so cool to see how in just a few hours she went from being totally scared to dunk her head under water to by the end of the session jumping up on the surf board like a pro. Her dad practically had to drag her out of the water at the end of the day. I could really see how we were teaching these kids more than just how to swim and surf. We were teaching them how to trust in more than themselves and believe that they really can do something well if they work hard at it. I could just see the confidence glowing through her even by just giving her the littlest bit of encouragement. 

     I sometimes take for granted how great it is to be encouraged because in the community that I live in I hear it all the time. But, for a lot of these kids it is not such a regular occurrence. When I look at these kids I can't help but dream about what they could become when they grow up. Some of the greatest surfers in Hawaii barely knew how to swim when they started. But, it's because people believed in them and coached them to keep trying than they are where they are today. And even beyond surfing, it's the fact that they are hearing from someone else that they are worth something.

I can't wait for next Wednesday!

Here is a video I threw together from the day. ( My water camera quality is not that good, but you get the idea :)

  *Janelle