Urban Surf 4 Kids, a San Diego organization providing water-based activities for foster and orphan children both here and abroad in Mexico, Haiti and Bahamas, is having their first event in Orange County this Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Newport Aquatic Center. The non-profit organization was started in 2009 by Wesley Stewart with a vision of giving underprivileged children opportunities they might not otherwise have to learn and experience water sports. In exchange, the children are required to serve in a community project of their choosing and learn to make a difference in their communities. This event is to kick off their new Orange County chapter as they expand their operation from San Diego and they expect about 40 eager, excited children tomorrow!

To help inspire the kids to give back and make a change in their lives and their communities, special guest Tom “Extreme” Jones, professional standup paddle boarder and champion athlete, will be on hand to autograph pictures for every participating child. In 2007 Tom Jones standup paddled the length of California from Oregon to Mexico to bring attention to the huge threat of plastic waste in the world’s oceans and to set first official SUP distance world record (1,250 miles in 90 consecutive days). In 2010 Tom also standup paddled from Key West to New York City for the Plastic Free Ocean organization and to set new world record of 1507 miles in 92 consecutive days. Tom is a long-term child advocate, a leading defender of the ocean environment, and a motivational speaker who inspires others to be the best that they can be. Tom shows people how they can act upon their greatest aspirations and reach out beyond themselves to make a difference in the world around them. You can read more about Tom “Extreme” Jones at http://www.tomjonesextreme.com.

Urban Surf 4 Kids will be having their next OC event on March 24 to teach children to surf. They are looking for surf instructors who can volunteer their time for this one day surf camp. CPR certified would be great but not required. They also need people to help out with beach activities such as volleyball, kickball, entertainment, etc. As they are new to our area, they are also looking for creative ideas on ways the kids can fullfill their community service hours. If you’d like to help in any way, please contact Mark Ralph at markralph@cox.net or visit their website at http://www.urbansurf4kids.org.