“Exploring a foreign country improves our understanding of the world and adds some spice to the routine of daily life… but what if the mark you left on that country benefited a small village not found in any travel guide and the greatest souvenir you took home was the unmistakable feeling of being part of something larger than yourself?”- Timothy Gibb (Founder/Director Al-Campo)

As I walked along the cobblestone streets of San Juan del Sur on my way to a breakfast meeting with Tim Gibb, I was already wondering just how it was I would make the relevant connection between telling the story of his International Service Program, Al-Campo, with the sport of surfing. At the time of my introduction to Tim, I had yet to log much more than a month’s time in Nicaragua under my belt and was still wave-drunk and google-eyed by the world class surfing conditions into which I had been immersed. Tim informed me that surfing was definitely a part of of the experience the students who take part in his program receive, but there was also a much bigger picture and greater meaning to what Al-Campo is all about. Still, I thought, how will I make this relevant to the readers of an action sports website?

This took place a little over a month ago and 5ones Surf is now finishing up it’s 2nd month overall of production from Nicaragua. While still completely in love with and mesmerized by the stunning beauty and heavenly waves found in this country, as much as anything we have become cognizant of the dire need for the surf community to do more than just come and take what it is that Nicaragua so freely gives.

Following a day of riding waves with some of the students who participated in Al-Campo’s most recent eco-adventure, I had the privilege of sharing a surfers favorite post-session past time when sitting down around a bonfire on the beach along with the Al-Campo crew. With flames crackling and waves crashing in the background, I started a conversation with the students in hopes of hearing about their experiences surfing here, they closed the conversation with inspiring tales of hard work and service given to villages and people here who are in desperate need. Having logged countless hours building latrines, swings, water filters, and above all else, relationships with the residents of poverty-stricken villages here in Nicaragua, surfing was simply the icing on the cake for these young heroes.  When the flames dimmed and all of the marshmallows disappeared, I made my trek home with a far greater story than I had ever hoped for.

With many of the earth’s most amazing waves being found in the most impoverished of locations, it’s vital that surfers see beyond their main purpose for visiting these lands and make a concerted effort to leave a positive footprint. 5ones celebrates those who are doing just that and recognizes those whose purpose is to give back and make a difference. Al-Campo International Programs is one of many working to make a difference, not just in Nicaragua but throughout the world and we encourage any interested in participating or having their children participate in a life-changing experience such as this to inquire for more information.

Posted by Shaun on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 in Surfing.

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