Each month, Sayulita Life proudly donates 5,000 pesos to a local cause that strengthens our community. For November, our support goes to Surfeando Sonrisas Foundation, a Mexican nonprofit transforming the lives of children and youth with disabilities through adaptive water sports and emotional education. Their work reminds us that the ocean is not just a playground—it’s a space for healing, joy, and inclusion.

For readers new to your work: who is Surfeando Sonrisas and who do you serve?
Surfeando Sonrisas Foundation is a Mexican nonprofit that transforms the lives of children and youth with disabilities through adaptive water sports and emotional education.
Our mission is to strengthen their mental health, self-esteem, and social skills by combining surfing as a therapeutic tool with experiential learning in nature, mindfulness, and human connection.
We serve children and families from across Bahía de Banderas and Mexico who often have limited access to inclusive recreational programs or emotional support spaces.

In your own words, what makes para surf meaningful for participants and their families?
Para surf isn’t just a sport—it’s freedom. It’s often the first time many of our participants experience the ocean not as a barrier, but as a place of belonging.
For families, seeing their child or loved one surfing a wave changes everything. It builds confidence, independence, and joy—and it reminds everyone that inclusion is not charity, it’s empowerment.

What does a typical clinic day look like in Sayulita—from check-in to the last wave?
Each clinic starts early in the morning with check-in and introductions, followed by a warm-up and mindfulness circle to set intentions for the day.
Participants are then paired with trained surf instructors, volunteers, and physical therapists who guide them safely into the water. Every participant surfs multiple waves—each one celebrated with cheers from the beach!
We close the day with a gratitude circle, where families, volunteers, and surfers share reflections. The energy is contagious—full of smiles, hugs, and tears of joy.

How do you ensure safety and accessibility in the water?
Safety is at the heart of everything we do.
All our clinics are staffed by certified surf instructors, lifeguards, and volunteers who undergo inclusive water safety training with partners like GEDISA and Protección Civil.
We maintain a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio between volunteers and participants and use adaptive equipment such as soft-top boards, life vests, helmets, and amphibious beach wheelchairs.

Can you share a short story or moment that captures the impact of your program?
One unforgettable moment happened when a young boy named Santiago, who uses a wheelchair, caught his first wave in Sayulita.
As he reached the shore, his mother ran into the water crying, saying, “I never imagined I would see him this happy—or this free.”
Moments like these remind us that a single wave can change a family’s perspective forever.

Where will Sayulita Life’s November donation make the biggest difference right now?
Sayulita Life’s support will directly help cover operational costs for our Para Surf Clinic in Sayulita, including transportation for families, equipment maintenance, volunteer coordination, and medical and safety supplies.
It will also help us maintain adaptive beach equipment such as surfboards, SUPs, life jackets, and amphibious beach wheelchairs—ensuring that every participant can experience the ocean safely and with dignity.

What are your most urgent needs going into high season?
As we move into high season, our most urgent need is to secure ongoing donations and sponsorships that allow us to sustain and expand our inclusive surf programs throughout the region.
We are especially looking to connect with the foreign community in Sayulita through partners like Sayulita Life to build long-term relationships with donors who believe in inclusion and social impact.

If a local wants to help today, what’s the one best action they can take?
Join us—as a volunteer, donor, or advocate.
The simplest way to start is to share our story and register for our next event at surfeandosonrisas.org.
Every shared post, every hour volunteered, and every donated peso helps us keep creating smiles in the waves.

Surfeando Sonrisas embodies the spirit of Sayulita—joy, inclusion, and connection through nature. Sayulita Life is proud to support their mission this month and invites our readers to get involved, volunteer, or donate. Together, we can help more children experience the freedom of catching their first wave