Supporting Sayulita’s Next Generation of Surfers

This month, Sayulita Life is thrilled to direct our $5,000 community donation to Terminator Surf in support of the Verano Surf Jam—an inspiring youth surf contest that brought together nearly 40 local kids for a day of friendly competition, ocean learning, and pure stoke. We caught up with the organizers to hear how the event went, the impact it had on the kids and community, and what’s next for youth surfing in Sayulita.

🏄‍♂️ Interview with Terminator Surf

Q: What was the vibe like on the day of the Surf Jam?
The Surf Jam was an incredible day, from the second the horn sounded for the first heat of competition. The crowd was amazing—positive vibes and cheering the entire day. The wave conditions were challenging at times, but you could see the competitors were using their best judgement to find the rides they needed to get the scores. The whole contest was inspirational, but the heats for the youngest competitors, the 4-8 group, was the highlight for everyone, I think.

Q: How many kids participated?
There were nearly 40 participants total across all the age categories, and every category was represented well, which was so good to see; it affirmed that our message and thoughts about needing these youth contests were extremely well received. The kids did great with the judging format, and having one of Sayulita’s legendary surfing figures—Rogelio Ramos—guiding them through the process was a huge help. The entire judge’s panel did an incredible job.

Q: How did Sayulita Life’s donation make a difference?
Sayulita Life’s donation put us in a position to provide even more prizes, and extra contest day necessities like more shade tents and refreshments. Thanks to all the sponsors again for making the Surf Jam a reality!!

Q: Who were some of the other sponsors or supporters?
As this event was brand new, you could say all the sponsors were new also, so every business and family that got involved was a fresh face. What needs to be mentioned for sure is the unbelievable drive the sponsors had to immediately jump in and take part. It’s hard to describe how meaningful that was.

Q: Are there plans to make this an annual event?
It is our hope for sure to make this into an annual event, and to make the next one even better! If the community continues to show support and interest in youth surfing, and the Northside Surf Clinic keeps growing, we will be here for the youth and families of Sayulita, no question. We are honored to serve the kids and community.

Q: What else is happening for local youth surfers?
There is another special youth surf clinic already underway! Northside Surf Clinic and Terminator Surf have brought in local pro surfer Wheeler Hasburgh to do a performance-focused kids summer training camp that will run for July. The camp is essentially the continuation of the Surf Jam, where the kids get to dive even deeper into real-world competitive surfing principles. Check Northside Surf’s Instagram—everything is there!

Q: On a personal note, what did this contest mean to you?
Personally, this contest fulfilled a dream of providing something meaningful to the surfing community in Nayarit and beyond, and specifically for the families and kids. Seeing the enthusiasm of the younger generation who actually want to learn to surf—riding a shortboard, learning about the ocean, water safety, and respecting their peers and the lineup—is uplifting and hopeful.

Again to all the sponsors: we couldn’t have done this without your support! You’re the best!! Thank you to MexHome for another huge investment into the community, and of course, Alto, Terminator Surf, and Northside Surf Clinic for months of planning and hard work. To all the parents, volunteers, participants, and local cheerleaders: you are amazing! There is no event without you on the beach. Super grateful for all of you.

The youth of Sayulita do not want to sit at home staring at their phones. It’s up to all of us to dig back in, get involved, and make the community better and stronger by organizing activities and events for the area’s kids, and being the example.