There’s something undeniably powerful about the ocean. About riding waves. And about making change in this world. MakeAWave by SurfAid – 30 days of surfing a wave every single day combines a lot of it in one challenge of the heart. This September challenge was therefore a must-do for our NOMB Changers. As both Angie and Chicken live next to the ocean, they were determined to surf a day every day through September, all for a good cause. Angie was shredding in Fuerteventura and Galicia, while Chicken explore all the waves around Oahu, Hawaii. 

As NOMB Changes is an organization, which is deeply rooted in community, empowerment and inclusion it wasn’t a question for us to embrace this challenge „MakeAWave“. A movement by SurfAid, who helps people in remote surf areas of the world to bring clean water, healthcare and food security.
So guess what, it isn’t about riding waves in the water only, it’s about making changes far beyond the shore. Every wave surfed is a metaphor for the changes we want to create – a ripple effect that extends across our lives, our communities, and our world. Every person who takes part is making a commitment: To themselves, to the environment but especially to the people who need it most, people in remote surf areas of the world. And Chicken and Angie were so ready to make this commitment. 

Riding a wave – every single day

When you commit to ride a wave every day, you will ride a wave every day. Even if that means to head into the water all by yourself when the night has already creeped in. Even if it means by getting up around 5 o clock in the morning, to get that wave before going to work. Even if you don’t feel like surfing, you are going to surf. That makes you a grumpy chicken from time to time, but after the wave, you know it’s all worth it and you are like: Yes, this is EPIC! 

We realized very quickly that MakeAWave waves are hitting our hearts – it feels like that these waves that you surf have travelled miles to meet you. It feels like this special wave brings people together in so many ways. People who surf the waves, people who support the waves by donating, people who inspire in the lineup, and people from all these communities all over the world. That’s what we love. We truly think that is epic. So we did shred, as team members of the Shredders Team. We shred, every single day. 

This 30-day challenge wasn’t only a personal test of endurance, but also a chance to amplify voices, spread awareness, and invite others to get involved. Each wave is a small victory—against apathy, against doubt, and in favor of action. Because in the ocean, we are all equals, riding the same waves, facing the same currents, and sharing the same stoke. And what we love most, is a chicken stoke. 

Hey,I’m Chicken, one of the co-founders of NOMB Changes, and I firmly believe that surfing is something everyone can do and enjoy.

The inclusive Surf day 2024 at Badi Köniz, organized in cooperation with the Reformed Church Köniz, was a big success. Numerous children and families gathered in bright sunshine to experience an afternoon full of fun and adventure. In our second edition we had even more people signing up than last year. 

The aim was to give all participants, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, the opportunity to get to know surfing and discover the joy of water sports.

Our enthusiastic team was full of anticipation and ensured that every child received the support they needed. From the first contact with the surfboard to balancing exercises in a balance area and the first waves on the water – the enthusiasm of the participants could be felt. The cheers, squeals and laughter were unmistakable throughout the pool area. We imagined that the biggest waves in the world were being surfed.

Hey, I am Chicken, one of the NOMB Changes co-founders and a strong believer that surfing is possible for everyone to enjoy.

Waves of Inclusion II was an event I loved and we won’t forget in a while. The beaming faces of the participants, spectators and helpers revealed the enthusiasm that this special day brought with it.

The idea of the day was on enabling people with physical and/or mental disabilities to enjoy wakesurfing – para surfing in one of the most spectacular settings in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne. Having already visited the standing wave earlier this year, this time we were off to the open water.

Aloha, I am Chicken, one of the NOMB Changes founders and a strong believer that surfing is possible for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks to “Waves of Inclusion” by NOMB Changes in cooperation with the SwissWaveAcademy, we organized a para sura event the end of April in Switzerland.

It was an evening full of courage, determination, and the power of community. An evening that showed the seemingly impossible is possible: surfing on a standing wave for people with physical disabilities.

Two amazing para surfer

It was Anja and Cori, two impressive women who use wheelchairs, who decided to conquer the waves together with all of us. With smiles on their faces and epic energy, they set out to take on the challenges of the water.

But before hitting the waves, there was a cozy welcome aperitif. Here, the colorful group got to know each other, shared stories, and created an atmosphere of openness and trust. The initial nervousness quickly gave way to the joy of being part of such a supportive community.

And then it was time – the moment everyone had been waiting for: surfing on the standing wave. With enthusiastic cheers and support from the SwissWaveAcademy and the NOMB Changers, Anja and Cori ventured into the wave. It was a touching moment as they conquered the first waves together, a testament to the fact that nothing is impossible when you believe and live for it together.

Incredible moments full of joy

What followed were more moments of joy and pride, accompanied by warm embraces. These were moments that made the power of inclusion and shared success palpable – moments that showed inclusion is not just an idea for us but a living attitude and action.

This para surf adventure was more than just conquering waves; it was a symbol of the power of humanity and the ability to overcome boundaries together. Because at the end of the day, waves are for everyone – and everyone can feel the happiness they bring.

Now we are stoked and looking forward to our second para surf event of Waves of Inclusion, wakesurfing on a lake, in summer 2024. Stay tuned!