Surfers are incredibly territorial and protective of their own finite resources. They will chase, hunt, and get as many waves for themselves as they can.

The stereotype of the laid-back, chill surfer so many times portrayed by the media and Hollywood is nothing but a facade and a cover-up for a complex personality.

Unlike skaters, who celebrate each other’s achievements and support their opponents in competition to land an exquisite trick, surfers develop an inner greediness that has never actually surfaced in their out-of-the-water lives.

One of surfing’s unwritten rules is that you don’t invite people to surf your break or waves. You don’t call people to join you on a perfect day.

You keep it to yourself. The concept of a secret spot means exactly that.

In many places, you’re even warned not to bring outside friends to the peak you’re exploring for the first time as a haole.

Crowded waves are synonymous with tension, disrespect, aggressive behaviors, wave hogging, and occasional physical attacks.

There is no such thing as too many waves ridden.

If surfers could, they would take all the resources available to press a button when they’re done, so no one else gets any other wave.

Reverse Psychology

Now, imagine a world where surfers would reverse their mindset.

Instead of kicking people out of their surf breaks, they would invite them to join them.

More: they would go out on the streets and ask if they would like to give surfing a try. In other words, they would be contributing to the increase in the surfing population.

Some could picture it as suicide; others could be curious about how it goes.

And then, on top of all this dystopian scenario, think about doing it on one of the most popular and crowded lineups on the planet: Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach.

You’d probably say it’s impossible, let alone become a movement.

Well, humans are always able to surprise us.

First Wave: An Altruistic Project

In September 2025, three friends and surf instructors, Buddy, Zack, and Isaiah, decided to kick off an innovative program that would give people the gift of surfing, completely free.

The idea behind it is quite simple.

The trio hits the streets and asks strangers if they would be interested in experiencing surfing for the first time.

When approached, people seem skeptical, as usually there are no free lunches. But when they realize it’s legit, they often embrace the challenge.

After all, you only live once, right? And then, magic takes place.

Buddy, Zack, and Isaiah take strangers on a quick theory lesson before paddling out by their side across the transparent blue waters of Waikiki.

Men and women, young and old, skinny and heavy. Some of these newbies barely know how to swim; others lack confidence.

The truth is that they all end up living the dream. The testimonials speak for themselves.

“This was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
“I will never be able to repay something like that.”
“I feel freedom.”
“I’m glad I did this.”

Surfers can do better. The First Wave Project is a great example of how altruism can potentially change lives.

We wonder how many of those newbies will, because they were once challenged randomly on the streets, become surfers for life.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com