For 12 years, Olas para Todos has been bringing children and teenagers with disabilities to the ocean through surf therapy, building a growing network of families, volunteers, sponsors and local organizations committed to making the experience possible.
This year, 65 children and teenagers participated in the program, which combines recreation, community support and the therapeutic benefits of the ocean.
Carlos Luna, a surf instructor and president of the organization, said the continued support from the community has allowed Olas para Todos to keep expanding its activities despite the challenges of finding suitable beach access.
Among this year’s supporters was a parent who set up a tent and worked as a DJ during the activity. Local businesses helped provide hydration for volunteers, while the Mexican Red Cross provided an ambulance.
Fire Medic Academy, together with Dr. Carlos Vera, also participated by providing medical coverage and helping maintain a safe environment for the children and teenagers.
Looking for Better Access to the Sea
One of the program’s ongoing challenges is securing reliable access to suitable beaches.
Luna said the organization looks each year for a beach access point around Kilometer 42 in southern Rosarito, where conditions are particularly favorable for surf therapy because of the area’s calmer waves.
He said some beach access points around Kilometer 38 have been closed by private individuals who consider them private property, making it necessary for the organization to look for alternatives.
“We feel like a ping-pong ball. They close one place, so we look for another,” Luna said.
He called on the municipal government to help ensure that public access to the beach remains available, particularly in areas where programs such as Olas para Todos serve children and young people.
“We don’t need side streets; we need access to the beach. We need places where the federal zone remains open so the beach can truly be for everyone. We need to look to the sea,” he said.
Raul’s Beach: A Natural Setting for Surf Therapy
Raul’s Beach at Kilometer 42 has become an ideal location for the program because of its favorable conditions.
Luna described it as one of the most welcoming beaches along the Baja California coastline for surf therapy, noting that the waves are not as strong as in other areas.
A kelp forest helps reduce wave intensity, while the wind has less impact on the water, creating conditions that are better suited for the children and teenagers participating in the sessions.
For Olas para Todos, the ocean is more than a place to surf. It is a space where children can experience new challenges, families can connect and an entire community can come together to make those experiences possible.
