Sometimes as surfers we take the ocean for granted. This isn’t everyone’s reality.
The charity City Kids Surfing takes children from the gritty reality of inner city life to give them the opportunity to experience surfing. The hope is that these inner city kids will discover a life-long love of the ocean and get to know that the ocean is there for them, through lives ups and downs.
We spoke to the founder Tom Franklin, a London primary school teacher who had been working in south London for many years. Often overshadowed by the news of violence and crime, many of the children never get the chance to leave their housing estates.
CKS came about in 2016, when I realised that I lived in south London and went surfing all the time and it kept me sane. However most of the kids I taught had never seen the ocean (and weren't going to) - let alone gone surfing. This seemed unfair. We want there to be schools, clubs and gatherings for city groms who want to surf.
What made you realise that surfing could change a young person’s life?
It's changed my life, and most of my friends too. We had an issue in London with kids feeling a sense of belonging, so they joined gangs - we lost three to knife crime in seven years... but surfing is a global gang, based on excitement, nature access, and fun. The best gang in the world. Edgy, risky at times - definitely not boring. I knew inner city kids who'd love it, get into it - I knew we could save some.
I read the book 'Blue Mind’ (by Wallace J Nichols). The nature link, being in the sea. It is so different from any other sport. But it is deeply under-represented by inner city kids.
What’s been the biggest challenge of setting this charity up?
Raising money! Also keeping relationships with partnerships (although we have been very lucky with Finisterre…) and running it alongside a day job and being a dad!
What are the main barriers that stop urban kids from accessing the ocean?
Lack of awareness. Families who don't value it. Usually money. Also distance from the ocean but that’s not the main reason.
They love it - it's amazing what we see every year.
What skill can kids take from surfing that will translate into everyday life?
Resilience, courage, friendship, memories, the world is more than what they see..
What can the wider surf community do better to help open it’s doors?
Have a really good, honest look at recruitment in the surf industry.
If an inner-city grom is reading this now, what would you want to say to them?
Surfing is there for you too. A second hand board from FB Market place, a train to Newquay and a £10 per night youth hostel.
As Asheya said on our very first trip in 2017 and it’s so true, she said "It's here and surf, whether you are poor or rich - you can come here too.”
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