Target reached!
We have prioritised our equipment needs and extra funds will be used to buy the desi...
Belhaven Surf Centre Almost There!
Belhaven, Scotland, United Kingdom
Aim
Belhaven Surf Centre is an exciting new community building due to open this summer. Can you help us raise the final funds?
" The Belhaven Surf Centre will be an awesome place to hang out as a young surfer, and will help us to improve, learn and achieve. I’m super excited to see the building in place and can’t wait to start using it in the autumn!” Clover, Dunbar High School and Scottish Junior team surfer.
Clover just one of the many young people who will benefit from our project to create a bespoke community facility at Belhaven Bay, East Lothian’s top beach for surfing.
The Vision
In 2017 Belhaven Surf Centre Ltd, a not for profit social enterprise, was formed to raise funding and manage the build of Belhaven Surf Centre. Great progress has been made; the building is due to open this summer. We are fundraising to kit it out with the equipment needed to enable us to deliver vital, innovative and outstanding water sports activities, safety training and environmental education accessible for all.
The Wave Project is a charity which is changing lives through surf therapy, enabling young people who are struggling with emotional and physical challenges to feel more positive about themselves, socialise with others and be confident and optimistic about their future. In the last six years close to 1,000 young people have benefitted all across the UK. Wave Project Frozen Smiles
Dunbar Surf Life Saving Club (DSLSC) is a charity run by volunteers. It is the first of its kind in Scotland delivering education, life saving training and improving the health of young people while working to reduce the national drowning statistics. It has trained 10 dedicated volunteers and has inspired 130 enthusiastic participants over the past three years. Its members include the first in Scotland to achieve internationally recognised surf life saving qualifications. Have a look at the club in action - Dunbar Surf Lifesaving Club Video
Both of these charities work with Coast to Coast Surf School to advance the sport of surfing, water safety education, deliver accessible and affordable activities for mental and physical wellbeing and promote environmental education. Coast to Coast also runs an excellent primary and secondary schools "surf programme". In 2018, Coast to Coast senior instructors coached six local juniors to national surf teams and one reached a European semi final! Coast to Coast offers classes and courses from beginners to advanced in surfing, bodyboard, stand up paddle and coasteering.
We are so excited about the possibilities for our three organisations and other community groups who will be able to make use of the new facility, working together. This is our opportunity to really put East Lothian on the map as a great centre for surfing, learning and community engagement around water safety and the environment.
‘I have been a member of DSLSC since it started. I am now a qualified Level 1 SLSGB Coach. We rely on people to store equipment for us and other organisations offering us the use of rooms for training. Having a centre right here on the beach where we train and run our sessions, with all the equipment we need will be super!’ Millie, Volunteer Assistant Coach, DSLSC
What Do We Need Help With?
We have been working hard to make this project a reality. Now we are asking you to help support the life changing work that will take place in the building by contributing to the equipment costs - the final 10% of the funding.
- safety and training equipment for use inside and on the beach - e.g. an external AED and first aid station
- multimedia elements like projectors and screens
- basic furniture for the education spaces
- fitness equipment such as mats and blocks
- pull along wheeled transport to get kit into the centre of the beach for our youngest and most vulnerable groups who struggle to carry.
Almost There!
We are almost there with an amazing building that will bring a brand new surf hub to Scotland which really will change lives. Our growing number of surfers, water sports users and beach visitors will be educated in how to enjoy the ocean safely and protect it for the long term - while having a lot of fun!
It would be great if you could support us through this final push.
Find out more about our organisations and our charitable and community work here Belhaven Surf Centre
What will the new Belhaven Surf Centre mean to our community?
"I can see our youngsters learning to become great water athletes and also coastal ambassadors for safety and environmental protection in the future. It's a brilliant addition to Dunbar!” Sam, Owner, Coast to Coast Surf School
“This building is a game changer - an amazing new space ideal to host future beach cleans and environmental education - and couldn’t be better timed! “ Brian Allen, Surfers Against Sewage
“The new building will be a true asset for the community of Dunbar. Such a stunning location and functional building attracting many more to the sea and learning how to be safe and play outdoors!“ Davide, Senior Surf Coach, Coast to Coast Surf School
“The new centre is going to be integral to fostering a sense of ownership in Dunbar’s coastline and encourage more activity outdoors in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.” Tara Sykes, Countryside Ranger, East Lothian Council
“The Wave Project are so excited about Belhaven Surf Centre! It will be wonderful to have a purpose built space that’s integral to the community and more importantly this is going to help raise awareness of surf therapy.” Alison Young, Co-ordinator Scotland, The Wave Project
Donate Now - there are lots of options to suit all budgets and some great rewards created especially for you.
Rewards: check these out!
Original photograph by MIke Guest of some very curious Highland Cows!
Alder Sportswear Leashes & Boots - get your hands on some great kit.
Surfing & Surf Life Saving Lessons - with the experts.
Red Paddle Caps and Water bottles!
This project successfully funded on 5th August 2019