'Surf to heal session’ builds confidence of underprivileged children

Mumu (Mukesh), a surfer from Mamallapuram, has been acquainting children from underprivileged backgrounds, to the joys of surfing. “Most of these children come from broken families and live a harsh life. Through surfing, they have an opportunity to experience something completely different. Surfing can aid in healing – when you are surfing, you forget everything. It’s just you and the ocean. The children forget their problems and have a good time. It strengthens them mentally, giving them hope that they can achieve their goals,” he said.

Mumu, who has a fishing background, also speaks to the children on the need to ditch plastic and keep their surroundings clean. “The children also get to interact with surfers around the world and experience a different ambience,” he added.

Maria Gislen, Principal and Founder of Little Lambs School, which enrolls students from underprivileged backgrounds, said that the challenging experience of surfing has helped the children immensely. “To get that sort of experience, you have to do something that you haven’t done before. We make the children write their experiences after the session. Most of them say that these sessions help them feel good. Our hope is that they will push themselves and realise that they can do more with their lives,” she said, adding that the school has been regularly having ‘Surf to Heal’ sessions.

Surfer Aine Edwards, a resident of Mamallapuram, who has been helping find sponsors for these sessions, recalled what one little girl told her after a surfing lesson. “I remember this little girl, who told me that she forgot her troubles while surfing. That, coming from a child, shows the harsh background they come from. We had volunteers from other countries too who were helping the children out. I like it when the girls especially, manage to stand up on the surf board. They were initially nervous, but managed to catch a wave. That’s my favourite moment,” concluded the entrepreneur.