The North Preston Surf Program
Donation protected
The Surfing Association of NS (SANS) and Blxckhouse in North Preston worked together to create a surf program for people of African Descent in Nova Scotia. Since May of 2019, the program has seen over 80 participants. We've had 6 swimming lessons and assessments, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Lifesaving Society (NSLS), followed by 7 surf lessons at Lawrencetown and Martinique Beach.
This summer, with the backdrop of the global pandemic, we will hold 8 lessons and 4 meet ups, with reduced numbers of participants per session. With the numerous gear donations, we are hoping to nurture more independent surfing amongst the beautiful surf community which is growing in North Preston!
Funding has gone and will continue to go towards transportation, lessons, and gear, food, and gas for the participants. We have brought on an accountant/ treasurer for year two and hope to be able to pay her for her time, as well as a coordinator and administrator in North Preston, and any other additional personnel we may need to keep things running smoothly and keeping people surfing safely and having the best time ever.
The goal of this program is to increase diversity in the sport of surfing as well as participation in surfing by people of African descent.
Nova Scotia has the largest and oldest indigenous African Nova Scotian community in Canada within close proximity to the birth place of Canadian surfing, Lawrencetown Beach, and yet very few people of African descent in Nova Scotia surf. We believe there are far-reaching historical and social reasons for this, and we want to remove the barriers to this experience for the community of North Preston. The ocean and surfing carries with it a personal and spiritual connection for each person who experiences it.
Established in 1987, SANS is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to: building an inclusive, fun and respectful surf community; supporting recreational and amateur surfing; and promoting a sustainable surf culture. For more info go to surfns.com .
This summer, with the backdrop of the global pandemic, we will hold 8 lessons and 4 meet ups, with reduced numbers of participants per session. With the numerous gear donations, we are hoping to nurture more independent surfing amongst the beautiful surf community which is growing in North Preston!
Funding has gone and will continue to go towards transportation, lessons, and gear, food, and gas for the participants. We have brought on an accountant/ treasurer for year two and hope to be able to pay her for her time, as well as a coordinator and administrator in North Preston, and any other additional personnel we may need to keep things running smoothly and keeping people surfing safely and having the best time ever.
The goal of this program is to increase diversity in the sport of surfing as well as participation in surfing by people of African descent.
Nova Scotia has the largest and oldest indigenous African Nova Scotian community in Canada within close proximity to the birth place of Canadian surfing, Lawrencetown Beach, and yet very few people of African descent in Nova Scotia surf. We believe there are far-reaching historical and social reasons for this, and we want to remove the barriers to this experience for the community of North Preston. The ocean and surfing carries with it a personal and spiritual connection for each person who experiences it.
Established in 1987, SANS is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to: building an inclusive, fun and respectful surf community; supporting recreational and amateur surfing; and promoting a sustainable surf culture. For more info go to surfns.com .
Organizer
Beth Amiro
Organizer
Head of Chezzetcook, NS
