Starting in the basement of co-founder Crag McClain’s home in La Mesa, and now headquartered in Spring Valley, Boys to Men Mentoring Network currently serves and supports 700 boys each week, in 30 schools, within nine school districts across San Diego County with its empathy-centered youth mentoring programs. B2M is returning with is 14th Annual 100 Wave Challenge at Mission Beach on Sept. 16, an event that inspires each surfer to raise $1,000 for B2M by catching 100 waves in one day.
The San Diego-based nonprofit is dedicated to helping underestimated, often fatherless, boys become the good men they want to be. The day of charging waves is a personal challenge for event participants. The nonprofit’s mission is a passion for mentors, and a life-changing opportunity for young lives of promise to break the cycle of violence, gangs, drugs and prison in their families, make better life choices for themselves, and achieve their dreams.
Surf legends and 100 Wave Challenge Surf Ambassadors 1977 World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson and World Tour Team Member Damien Hobgood will lead the pack of surfers into the lineup in the early morning hours.
The 100 Wave Challenge is Boys to Men co-founder Joe Sigurdson’s “Big Idea.” The thought of an annual surf-athon crossed his mind nearly a decade ago, during a surf session at the iconic San Diego surf break, Black’s Beach. Sigurdson has paddled into the lineup of every 100 Wave Challenge since the event’s inception in 2009.
From his vantage point as event visionary and head cheerleader, watching the 100 Wave Challenge grow and thrive has been his pride and joy.
“The faces in our lineup change every year – many surfers have been with us since the beginning, others are paddling out with us for the first time,” Sigurdson said in a press release. “It’s been gratifying to watch the heart of the 100 Wave Challenge grow stronger with each passing year. The event has a life force of its own — a friendly, competitive spirit that inspires surfers to jump on board and get involved.”
Surfers can paddle out solo or participate in teams. New this year: a corporate challenge offering a meaningful opportunity for teams to build camaraderie and have fun, while raising money for a life-changing cause.
Surfers who succeed in catching 100 waves will be invited to celebrate their achievement by banging a giant gong positioned at the center of the event footprint.
Every surfer receives breakfast, lunch, a commemorative rash guard and towel, and exclusive access to the 100 Wave Challenge Surfers Lounge, a shaded sanctuary where surfers can relax between sessions and enjoy a cool beverage and healthy snacks. A team of volunteer yoga instructors and massage therapists will be on hand throughout the day. Their presence will ensure that 100 Wave Warriors remain in top physical form during their 100 Wave Challenge experience.
The 100 Wave Challenge is a primary funding source for B2M and a powerful engine for bringing the surfing community together to make waves for a meaningful cause.
For more information, visithttps://boystomen.org/100-wave-challenge/.
