The Kovalam Surf Club
The Kovalam Surf Club was established by Belgium Surfer Jelle Riogle in 2005.
Riogle believes boredom is what leads homeless children to form criminal gangs. In Western society, children join a scout group or club sport at an early age and learn key social skills. In the same effort to find a sense of camaraderie, homeless children in Kovalam often form violent criminal units. Thus, Kovalam Surf Club seeks to provide surf classes as a meaningful and free alternative to gang life.
Kovalam provides these children with new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction, self-esteem building programs, and education. The Kovalam Surf Club hopes with international support, these young men and women will grow to lead their communities toward development and social change.
