///International
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BANGLADESH
IGNITE A PASSION
The mission is to ignite a passion for surfing and service within the coastal community of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
VISION
To equip, mobilize and train local Bangali surfers to transform their community.
PAST
Surfing The Nations first trip to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh was in the fall of 2001. Over the past nine years STN has been instrumental in introducing the sport of surfing to this beach community as well as teach many to swim. Thru the generosity of many donors STN has had the privilege of brining over 35 surfboards and body boards into Bangladesh for the purpose of teaching and enabling young people to fall in love with the sport of surfing. Connecting with the first Bangladeshi surfer, Jafar Alam, has served as a doorway into this beautiful country and its community.
Surf history unfolded in 2005 when the first ever surf contest was held upon the shores of Bangladesh. Surfing The Nations hosted the event, which included a boys surfing and body boarding category. The enthusiasm and heart that was shown by the young surfers, was enough to amp out the entire community.
The passion for surfing that was birthed in the Bengali people helped to pave the way for Surfing The Nations see a surf club established in Cox’s Bazar.
PRESENT
Presently there are over 70 members of the Bangladesh Surf Club, both boys and girls. Presently Jafar Alam is president with Shahadet Hossen and Abdul Aziz as his assistants. Each of them has become prominent surfers within their community. The club has provided young people an identity. The members of the surf club, are no longer categorized as ‘the street kid’, or ‘the uneducated’, they are now recognized as surfers. With this new founded identity, a community of young men and woman are working together to serve their city. Participating in large beach clean ups, teaching ocean safety, swimming lessons and of course surfing; they have enthusiastically embraced the motto of Surfing The Nations - surfers giving back.
The Aloha Surf Classic surf contest has now become an annual contest that has caught the attention of many international and national journalist publications. Drawing a crowd on average of 500 people, and over 70 participants it is one of the largest events held in Cox’s Bazar.
FUTURE
STN is committed to see the Bangladesh Surf Club become all that it can be. From established and trained leaders, swimming lessons, lifeguard training, English lessons, to running/hosting their own surf contest.
STN’s goal is to see a Surfing The Nations Surf Center opened in this newly ignited surf city. The Surf Center would serve as a community center for the surfers as well as those who are interested to learn. This surf headquarters would be place to mentor the young people, teach English and water safety, develop community projects, bring anti drug alcohol awareness and help to establish the surfers as entrepreneurs in the surf industry.
PHOTOS
REAL STORIES
BELEN DEL CANTO
Bangladesh is definitely a place in the world that I never thought about going, and when I did go it completely changed my life. I’ve always heard about the poverty, the slums of India and child prostitution but actually seeing it changed my life forever.,
Bangladesh opened my eyes to the reality that others live in every day.
The culture is unlike any I had ever experienced before. Stepping into a culture that is radically more conservative than mine was an awesome opportunity for me to learn and see the beauty in simple living and the importance of family relationships. I made some radical friends and got to experience the fun and unique things of Bangladesh, such as the dancing, food, and festivals.
I look forward to the day when I can return to the fun surf, awesome friends and community of people I can serve and pour into. The trip to Bangladesh changed my life.
KRISTIN FLYNN
Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh literally redefined my idea of fun! From the high energy surf club boys and girls, to crazy rickshaw rides, to surfing breaks with just my friends, Bangladesh has quickly become one of my favorite places in the world! I love the people, the food, the dancing, the festivals, and its unique beauty and charm.
Being a part of creating surf history in a nation that has never before experienced surfing, is a huge honor and incredible to see happen. I’ve seen how surfing is breaking down walls between class, race and culture, and is uniting them thru their passion for surfing.
The Bangladesh Surf Club is the most amped group of surfers I’ve ever met. They are always amped even when the waves are junk. It truly shows me how much they love surfing and the community it has built.
