Rising Tide Surf Mission Statement

The Nuu-chah-nulth Surf Team is an Indigenous and community-led initiative, bringing together Nuu-chah-nulth youth and mentors who want to change the narrative around surfing in Nuu-chah-nulth territory. Through Nature's ability to foster resilience, empowerment, connection and revival we will support the youths' personal journeys and build on the power of the healing force of the ocean.

As a part of this Surf Team, youth will have the opportunity to explore their own individuality, in how they connect to nature, the ocean and their peers. A community of supporters will be built around the youth, to support and empower them in a way that is determined by them. The supporters will strengthen the confidence of the youth, both inside the water and out. Indirectly, the Supporters will create a space for bringing people together, acknowledging the importance of community building in the values of the Nuu-chah-nulth Surf Team.

The wellness of our Surf Team and communities, and our location on Nuu-chah-nulth homelands, will be the forefront of our actions. It is critical that cultural safety, cultural humility and respect are practiced at all times. Accordingly, we have established themes of resilience and community involvement so that activities and actions will be strengths-based and decolonizing. While we appreciate community involvement and intersectionality, participation is not for outside community members who are still new in their learnings on Indigenous self-determination and have not read the TRC 94 Calls to Action. Please see “Responsibilities and Expectations of Community Members” for more details.

Rising Tide, or mułaa which means Rising Tide in Tla-o-qui-aht, is a surf-based approach to support youth with spending time in the ocean and connecting to nature. Our aim to get members in the water during our weekly sessions in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. These regular coaching sessions by our Surf Coach allows members to advance in body, mind, spirit, and heart connections to the healing powers of the ocean.

Mułaa is open to all Nuu-chah-nulth and Indigenous Peoples, with a focus on youth (check FAQ for age suggestions). The Nuu-chah-nulth are young at heart and our team is inclusive of all. Mułaa is funded through generous community donations and small grants. To learn more about how you can support, see here.