LEARN ABOUT SURF JOURNALISM AND HUMANITARIANISM WHILE ON A BOAT TRIP TO INDONESIA
THE SURF EXPEDITION: Surf Journalism and Humanitarianism In Indo
Perfect waves. Intellectual discovery. Service work. Three things that certainly hold their own as self-contained pursuits, but when combined have the potential to make something special and everlasting, and if nothing else - unique. Something any surfer would want to be a part of.
That’s just what SURFER Senior Editor, Matt George, and Chris Faucher, M.A. Pepperdine, have sought to accomplish with their new program: The Surf Journalism Expedition. As an extension of the non-profit organization, Last Mile Operations, The Surf Journalism Expedition hopes to educate students in the discipline of surf journalism while also affording them the opportunity to travel to the Mentawai Islands, surf perfect waves, and help the communities they visit. Obviously, the crew aims to log some quality water time in Indo, but the expedition, which kicks off its maiden voyage on July 17, centers largely on community service and academia.
“We want to combine adventure with academics,” says George. “We have designed a curriculum that involves doing humanitarian work and learning the ins and outs of surf journalism. Classes will be taught by some of the best writers in the surfing world (including Matt and his brother, former SURFER Magazine Editor, Sam George), and some of the best photographers will be holding workshops on board. As a junior-level course, we will also be examining the entire world of writing from techniques to publication.”
As far as hands-on service work, George maintains that students will be making a direct impact in the local communities.
“We will continue the work that we started after the tsunami, providing shelter, medicine, general health clinic resource, and anything else they need. We have even developed a canoe program where we deliver canoes – and all of the things they need while recovering. We will be going to shore and doing hands-on humanitarian work.”
The program is a three-unit, fully-accredited college course that will provide students with a great opportunity to do something they love while also delivering aid to an area devastated by 2004's tsunami. George emphasizes that each day will include six hours of classroom time.
“Candidates who come along with us will also be writing for our web magazine,” says George. “And the best of the best will be featured in SURFER Magazine.”
The Surf Expedition is the latest addition to the Last Mile Operations, a non-profit which has been delivering personal disaster response to devastated areas around the world since 2004's catastrophic tsunami in Indonesia. The organization has also delivered aid to victims of Katrina, as well as affected areas in Pakistan, Java, and Bali.
“We’ve been to all these places and we’ve been able to help people by making sure that aid is taken directly to them,” says George. “It usually never reaches these areas because of bureaucracy and corruption.”
For their efforts, Last Mile Operations was honored with the Emerald Path Award by The Surfer's Path in both 2006 and 2007 for "outstanding global humanitarianism."
While summer offers endless opportunity for unchained students to spend their time as they please, George's Surf Expedition sounds like a perfect opportunity to score perfect waves, help communities in need, and earn a few college credits along the way. The Surf Expedition is still accepting applications for its maiden voyage so check out LastMileOperations.org for more information.
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READER COMMENTS
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 6:20 PM
this is a joke, right? I once pulled a Sam article out of a mag and used it as my own in a creative writing class at UCSB. I got a D+.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 6:49 PM
It isn't suprising that the first posting regarding an opportunity like this comes from someone who clearly doesn't get it. I've been waiting for an opportunity like this and look forward to trying to get my college counselor to hook me up with independent study credit.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 6:54 PM
Bob...what a dick...clearly a hater...keep sweepin' and weepin' you kook!
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 7:02 PM
Dear Bob, You are you joke, right? This opportunity sounds amazing. And after all the travel that surfers have done as greedy assholes, this sounds like the way things ought to be. I can't wait to be part of it. Surf, Help, Learn in the best surf in the world and earn three college units while your doing it? Bob...are you ok? I suggest counseling, immediately.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 7:18 PM
Wow, this Bob guy sounds like a really uninformed numbskull. Sam George has written just about the most intelligent stuff I've ever read in a surf mag. Didn't he write the movie Riding Giants too? Bob sounds angry. Anyway, I am planning on joining this expedition and I am approaching it with joy and intelligence. Can't wait. What could possibly be negative about this kind of surfing? Poor Bob. I feel sorry for him.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 7:23 PM
Anyone who doesn't see this as the opportunity of a lifetime is clearly insane. Having Sam George as my professor would be something out of a dream, and providing volunteer relief alongside Matt George is just too much to ask for. And did I forget to mention exploring the Mentawais with a group of people who have probably been there more times that you have been surfing...??? Yep, this is an incredible chance to turn a beer-soaked boat trip into something productive. -cheers
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 7:30 PM
Let me get this right. This Bob character, who tears articles out of magazines and copies them and then turns them in as his own...basically a guy who is dishonest and cheats...this guy is insulting one of the more prolific, published, accomplished writers of our time? A former editor of Surfer Magazine? This is the guy who is insulting an academic surf trip? Sounds like this Bob guy needs this expedition more than anyone. He might learn to be honest and to quit cheating and learn to write instead of faking it and getting upset at people who can.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 8:08 PM
Matt George will be taking the course. NOT Sam.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 8:41 PM
I'm one of the blessed students that will be on the trip this year...booked my spot a while ago and am stoked beyond belief (as you can imagine). Matt, Sam, and Chris have put so much into getting this amazing trip going, and only for 10 students this summer! I'm sure once people start hearing about this, Last Mile Operations will be able to treat more students in the future to the trip of their lives.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 9:01 PM
This is the most positive, innovative idea yet to come out of the surfing community. Not only doing the hands-on work, but involving and inspiring young people in a humanitarian cause says everything about Matt George. I am gladly sending my son on this trip, yes to experience the world and catch some great waves, but mostly to get in touch with himself and learn how he can make a difference in this world.
Thu Jun 5, 2008, 9:05 PM
Just to clarify, Sam George will be teaching the majority of the classes. Yes, both Matt and Sam will be along.
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 8:56 AM
bob is the only one here with a brain. just another whore-out by the flamers in the industry to exploit something that is not theirs. another goodwill mission that makes people feel slightly better about themselves for all the bad things they have done!? and surf journalism, seriously? is this kind of the same line as porno journalism? i dont need some tool from cali writing about surfing all the time. it is the equivalent of hugh hefner writing about what its like to have sex with holly. this is garbage
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 9:56 AM
Great idea by Sam and the other starving artists. Maybe Sam George will give life advice too while educating our little friends around the world. Typical have a nice day Yank - God Bless American - just keeping the world safe for democracy. Food not prose. Water not poetry. But what is life without a few silver spoon fed slackers? I'll tell you - it means a crowd free weekday at your favorite break - get a job Sam George and stop bugging people with your life's purpose. Tight, white and wanky - suck this SB hanky kook.
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 12:30 PM
Sound fun and worthwile. Good job again Sam..
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 2:45 PM
i wish this was around when i was in college a few years ago. my counselor totally would've allowed me to get credit! sweet and good luck! can graduates do this too?
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 4:28 PM
Why do I get the impression that each and every positive comment here was posted by Sam and his team? All 5 or 10 minutes apart, all from people who can't seem to get enough of Sam, who is now apparently one of the "most prolific . . . writers or our time." Bunch of clowns.
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 4:51 PM
Too bad all this angry cynicism comes out when something new and positive is tried out. Oops, sorry, I'm sure "positive" might be a bit uncomfortable for some of you.
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 5:13 PM
There are 4 typos on the Company's main web page alone...I'm sure this will be of great educational value.
Fri Jun 6, 2008, 7:39 PM
Just when I thought I'd read something really positive coming out of the surf community, I read the blogs of Bob, Artie & Jacqueson. Hope you're doing something positive in your own communities -- 'cause your comments here are toxic.
Sat Jun 7, 2008, 6:40 PM
Go the dude above! Tell it like it is Tuesday!!!
Wed Jun11, 2008, 10:20 AM
I have to side with Bob. I'm underwhelmed by this venture.