Surfing-4-EWW (Environmental Water Wellbeing): Promoting healthy and ecological lifestyles in coastal and inland water regions through surfing

A. Project Name 

Surfing-4-EWW (Environmental Water Wellbeing): Promoting healthy and ecological lifestyles in coastal and inland water regions through surfing

B. Submitted to the call/funding institution

Erasmus +, Sport

C. Principal Investigator

Catarina N. Matias (CIDEFES, COFAC) 

D. Timeline

05/03/2024 (submitted)

E. Partners

Kargenc Environment Sport Club (Turkey)

Bulgarian Sports Development Association (Bulgaria)

Udruga Vere Montis (Croatia)

L'orma (Italy),

AL2 Sport Societa'sportiva Dilettantistica A Responsabilita Limitata (Italy)

Ericeira Surf Clube (Portugal)

Associació Esportiva Ciutat Vella (Spain)

F. From CIDEFES

Catarina N. Matias, José P. Morgado, Lúcia Gomes, João P. Ramos

G. Summary  

The project "Surfing4EEW" aims to leverage water board sports, particularly surfing, to promote balanced lifestyles and address barriers to access for individuals facing socioeconomic and geographical challenges.

The project partners will create a variety of outputs, such as educational programs, community-driven initiatives, environmental conservation projects, and cross-border partnerships, by looking at successful policies, projects, and innovations from various European contexts. Through the engagement of water board sports and surf culture, participants—including young people and adults from diverse backgrounds—will be empowered to engage in personal development, social interaction, and environmental sustainability.

The following are the project's main goals:

1. To identify and evaluate best practices and literature on policies and projects that promote water board sports and their positive impact on physical and mental well-being.

2. To develop innovative approaches to overcoming barriers to access for water board sports, such as limited education/ training, inadequate infrastructure, and socioeconomic hurdles.

3. To establish partnerships between participating organizations, stakeholders, and European sport organizations to promote inclusive and sustainable lifestyles through water board sports.

The project primarily aims to raise knowledge of the advantages of water board sports for social inclusion, mental and physical health, and environmental stewardship. The project aims to close skill development and access gaps by collaborating strategically with higher education institutions, vocational education and training providers, sport institutions, and local authorities. This will eventually encourage active and healthy lives throughout Europe.