Ride-A-Wave (RAW)
Mission Statement: To give everyone the chance to experience the thrill of riding a wave, whether they are physically, economically, or developmentally challenged. Our focus is to eliminate any barriers that may stand in the way of fully enjoying the environment.
Ride-A-Wave Goals: To ensure that all participants have a fun, safe, and unforgettable beach experience. We will accomplish this goal by offering a full day of beach activities including: surfing, body boarding, and swimming, beach games, lifesaving demonstrations, kayaking and marine biology.
A professional instructor on a one-on-one basis will supervise all events. Each participant will leave the beach with a better understanding and respect for the ocean and beach.
Who is Ride-A-Wave?: The Ride-A-Wave program was initiated by a generous donation from the Santa Clara City Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1171. We are a diverse group of dedicated professionals including fire fighters, paramedics, nurses, chemists, builders, marine scientists, and a host of other occupations. Our ranks include national lifeguard champions, world class tandem surfers, ultra distance paddleboard racers and big wave surfers.
Although officially formed in 1998, core Ride-A-Wave members have organized some of the largest special participant beach events in the world for over eight years. Ride-A-Wave is co-sponsored by both the City of Santa Clara, and the City of Santa Cruz.
Would you like to Help?: Volunteers may contact Danny by email. Please click on Danny's name below. Financial donations are always welcome and needed! The following sponsorships are available for donators to choose from:
Menehune Sponsor ($150): Receives name on banner, a certificate of sponsorship, and a warm fuzzy feeling!
Aloha Sponsor ($500): Same as above, commemorative photo and a warmer, fuzzy feeling.
Kahuna Sponsor ($1000): Same as above, framed commemorative photo, name on t-shirt and an even warmer, fuzzier feeling.
Big Kahuna Sponsor ($2500): Same as above, logo on tandem surfboards, two t-shirts, official Ride-A-Wave plaque, the warmest of fuzzy feelings, and of course, bragging rights!
Send Your Check to: PO Box 1185, Santa Clara, CA 95052-1185.
Make checks out to the Santa Clara Firefighters' Foundation.
Calendar of Events 2003:
Pending so Stay Tuned!
For more information: Please contact Program Coordinator Paramedic/Firefighter Danny Cortazzo.
Click here to see the Ride-A-Wave website!
Thanks to: Boots McGhee for his many fine images and for all the work he does in our Community.
06/17/2004