Becoming a Mentor | Surfrider Spirit Sessions

Qualifications | Time Commitment | Sign Up!

Being a mentor was a no-brainer for me. I always wanted to do some volunteer work, but didn’t have the time. But this is awesome, I get to do something meaningful while doing something I love and already do. Plus, I’m hanging out with really great people.
I was ready to give, but I didn’t expect I’d get so much back.” ~ Scott, Mentor

I didn’t think I could catch a wave and surf,
but now it’s like, wow, I can do anything!” ~Leilani

Teens Need You

The majority of Spirit Sessions youth suffered tragedy and trauma, and have done what they could to cope and literally survive. They haven’t always made the best choices, nor have they always used the wisest coping mechanisms. They struggle with depression, anger and anxiety, and often lack joy and a healthy outlet. Many are frequently lonely, and long for adult support, guidance, positive attention and feedback. Your role as a mentor is to be their friend and coach and help fill the void.

All it takes is sharing your love of the ocean.

Sharing your love of the ocean and the joy of surfing, your perspectives and your care, concern and compassion make a difference. Studies show that when kids enjoy a regular, positive activity with an adult mentor, those kids are significantly less likely to use drugs, skip school, participate in high-risk behaviors or commit crimes. These youth are also more likely to improve their academic performance, have better decision-making skills, more self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.

The mentors are awesome. I didn’t think we’d get along at first, but they taught me some cool things and it was fun hanging out with them, even when they gave me a hard time. They pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could do.” ~ Kainoalani

It’s easy.

Being a surf mentor is easy and much of what you teach kids will come naturally. During sessions, mentors act as “Surf Buddies,” coaching kids in the water, cheering them on, and offering assistance. Spirit Sessions staff members and instructors conduct surf lessons and are also in the water offering support. Mentors help youth journal their experiences and offer their perspectives and life-skills wisdom in talk circles. Mentors are invited to share their manao (knowledge) and often take the lead in pre-surf yoga and lesson planning.

Contacting and supporting youth outside session hours is encouraged and many mentors have assisted youth with homework, filling out job applications, opening a bank account, or just being there with a shoulder to cry on, a suggestion of how to view and solve a problem, or someone to just have fun and go surfing with.

Special Surf Ohana events are often suggested and coordinated by mentors.

Mentor Qualifications

Must be intermediate level (or better) surfer, comfortable in the water, and
confident enough to offer basic surf guidance and support
Clean, sober and drug-free
Minimum of 23 years old
Dedicated, reliable, outgoing, caring, patient
Willingness to mentor outside the program is a plus
Able to commit to minimum time frame

Special skills appreciated (but not mandatory)

Certified yoga or pilates instruction
Certified water safety
Marine biology or environmental education background
MSW or social work experience
Vocational or technical skills training
Job placement or career placement coaching/consulting

Note: All mentor applicants will be background-checked and must be approved by the courts.
Mentors must be in good standing and clear of any criminal activity and warrants.

Download Mentor Application

Time Commitment

The time commitment for a mentor is:

8 consecutive Saturdays, 4 hours each
One 4-hour orientation session
Special Event/Community Service day
Additional time is optional and highly encouraged

Location for sessions is Kuhio Beach (Canoes) in Waikiki.

Sign Up!

Join our Surf Ohana and get kids stoked on life!

Mentors may commit to one or more of the following 8-week programs. If you are interested and can commit to our upcoming sessions’ dates (click here for schedule), please download the application and return via e-mail to us. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please feel free to forward this link or the application to them. Download Mentor Application