Sophie Everard Interview

We are very excited to share with you our recent interview with Sophie Everard! An amazing activist who sheds light on an amazing organisation, The Wave Project.

 

Based in the UK, The Wave project is close to our hearts. Supporting vulnerable children and young people improve their mental health and wellbeing through a combination of surfing and mentoring. With the aid of amazing volunteers and supporters such as Sophie, they've worked with thousands of children over the past 10 years!

 

Meet Sophie.

  1. Why do you love The Wave Project?

'When I first came across The Wave Project, I was immediately drawn to their fantastic mission and of their belief that surfing and exposure to the ocean is an incredibly powerful, healing tonic which has fantastic benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing.  That ethos has long been something I personally believe in and already worked to project through my own work and endeavours. Their wonderful work supporting children and changing the lives of young people through surfing is truly special and seeing their impact on young people with my own eyes is incredibly moving.'

(Above you can see Wave Project volunteers in action)

 

      2. How does The Wave Project Inspire you?

'I am so incredibly inspired by The Wave Project's powerful work.  I have been so lucky to spend time with many of the amazing young people who benefits from the projects around the UK, who have taught me so much about kindness, strength and vulnerability.  I've experienced some of the most profoundly important and emotional moments in my career and personal life through working with The Wave Project, and seeing first-hand how their work impacts so many children is forever humbling to me.  It motivates me to continue working with them, to continue amplifying their critical messaging, and to have fun and get stoked in the water!' 

 

     3. How long have you been an ambassador for The Wave Project

'I have been a (proud) Ambassador for The Wave Project Since 2018. I had reached out to them for a fundraiser and was so delighted to be asked to be an ambassador shortly after.  The importance of that role to me is not something I take lightly, and when I became an ambassador, it was like becoming part of a family.'

 

(A recent participant, shown above)

   4. What are the best ways people can help support and donate to The Wave Project?

'What is so fantastic for supporters of The Wave Project is that there are so many ways to work with, engage, and help this fantastic charity!  Whether that's becoming a volunteer and actually working on the surf sessions, fund raising in incredible ways (we've had people do epic endurance cycle, SUPS and swims, bake sales and more!), becoming a member, or even work for the charity!  Sharing The Wave Project's work on social media is also of course a great way to engage.'

 

(Above, you can see Sophie at The Wave Projects annual awards, celebrating the amazing volunteers, surf coaches and the people who make The Wave Project possible)

     5. What have you learnt from The Wave Project?

'I've learnt that the ocean is truly a powerful healer.  Prescriptive surf therapy has been backed by the NHS and its impacts are wonderfully wholesome and life changing.'

So, there we have it, a profound glimpse into why The Wave Project is so amazing! Thank you, Sophie for your kind words. We are lucky enough to be in collaboration with The Wave Project as well as having Sophie join us on this journey. If you would like to show your support, you can shop our recent collaboration with this this amazing organisation.

10% of proceeds from every purchase will be going straight to The Wave project, you can also show your support by purchasing our new limited edition Surf Soul poster. 100% of proceeds for this poster will be donated to The Wave Project.

Illustrated by @sonjaburniston

click the link here to shop