Determined to show San Diego and the world, “We’re Better Together!”, 200 surfers will hit the waves of Mission Beach on Saturday, Sept. 16, determined to catch 100 waves in one day in support of B2M (Boys to Men Mentoring Network). The San Diego-based nonprofit is dedicated to helping underestimated, often fatherless, boys become the good men they want to be.
Surf Legends and 100 Wave Challenge Surf Ambassadors Shaun Tomson (1977 World Surfing Champion) and Damien Hobgood (World Tour Team Member) will lead this pack of big-hearted surfers into the lineup in the early morning hours. Surfers will be cheered on throughout the day by family and friends, who will gather on the beach for a community celebration of surfing for an important cause.
The 100 Wave Challenge inspires each surfer to raise $1,000 for B2M and catch 100 waves in one day. The day of charging waves is a personal challenge for event participants. The nonprofit’s mission is a passion for mentors, and a life-changing opportunity for young lives of promise to break the cycle of violence, gangs, drugs and prison in their families, make better life choices for themselves, and achieve their dreams.
The 100 Wave Challenge is Boys to Men co-founder Joe Sigurdson’s “Big Idea.” The thought of an annual surf-a-thon crossed his mind nearly a decade ago, during a surf session at the iconic San Diego surf break, Black’s Beach. Sigurdson has paddled into the lineup of every 100 Wave Challenge since the event’s inception in 2009. From his vantage point as event visionary and head cheerleader, watching the 100 Wave Challenge grow and thrive has been his pride and joy.
“The faces in our lineup change every year – many surfers have been with us since the beginning, others are paddling out with us for the first time,” Sigurdson said. “It’s been gratifying to watch the heart of the 100 Wave Challenge grow stronger with each passing year. The event has a life force of its own – a friendly, competitive spirit that inspires surfers to jump on board and get involved.”
Surfers can paddle out solo, or participate in teams. New this year: a corporate challenge offering a meaningful opportunity for teams to build camaraderie and have fun, while raising money for a life-changing cause.
The 14th annual 100 Wave Challenge is fueled by the generosity of a team of community partners, including Dr. Bronner’s All One!, Kaiser Permanente, Total Power, Degree 33 Surfboards, Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Bee the Change, Belmont Park, Splendid Ice Cream and Board and Brew.
Every surfer receives breakfast, lunch, a commemorative rash guard and towel, and exclusive access to the 100 Wave Challenge Surfers Lounge, a shaded sanctuary where surfers can relax between sessions and enjoy a cool beverage and healthy snacks. A team of volunteer yoga instructors and massage therapists will be on hand throughout the day. Their presence will ensure that 100 Wave Warriors remain in top physical form during their 100 Wave Challenge experience.
Surfers who succeed in catching 100 waves will be invited to celebrate their achievement by banging a giant gong positioned at the center of the event footprint.
The 100 Wave Challenge is a primary funding source for B2M and a powerful engine for bringing the surfing community together to make waves for a meaningful cause.
