Riding the waves is what Hawaii folks do best.Now a new surf camp for girls is helping them perfect their skill.
But this camp will emphasize more than just the joy and thrill of surfing.
More than ever before, young women are enjoying the thrill of surfing.
Colleen Kudo and her friends want to build on that with a couple of other lessons in mind as well.
"One of the first things we want them to learn is water safety. We want them to be safe in the ocean. And we want to teach them about sustainability and educate them on what they can do to keep Hawaii green,” said Collen Kudo, surf camp coordinator.
I asked Colleen why she thought those aspects of education would be important in a surf camp.
"It's always been very important to me as a mother and just a human to see that we leave the earth and the planet and especially the ocean in healthy condition,” said Kudo.
For that reason, environmental clean-ups will take place at each site where the girls surf.
"If they have a desire to learn about the ocean and sustainability and they're willing to work hard at the beach cleanups every morning and every day, then they're welcome.">
The camp is open to young ladies 10-16 years old.
They must know how to swim and tread water but there will be lots of volunteers on hand to help.
"From 14 year old junior lifeguards to pro surfers. And we really want this to be a community project. We don't believe that it can be successful without everybody being a part of it,” said Kudo.
The camp will run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Financial aid is available.
"Our initial idea for the surf camp was to give something to girls in Hawaii who maybe didn't have money to go to camp, now or ever,” said Kudo.
Kudo repeats - a primary lesson during the camp is caring for the environment.
"We've got members from SurfRider Foundation and different non-profit organizations that are joining us and sharing with the girls about the importance of keeping our beaches and ocean and island clean,” said Kudo.
