SurfAid embodies the positive values inherent in surfing, namely individualism, courage, dynamism, and adaptability, and seeks to harness these attributes in implementing projects with measurable results. A grassroots organization, which recognizes that its strength lies in the strong participation of its members, SurfAid also is committed to research and evidence-based planning. Research conducted includes survey work, study of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the Mentawais, and testing of malaria parasite levels in current and future target villages.

In response to two powerful earthquakes that struck the region of the Mentawai Islands September 12 and 13, 2007, SurfAid International immediately mobilized. It has visited and assessed more than 100 Mentawai villages and launched eight relief boats delivering food, shelter, medical attention, fuel, and building supplies to some of the 30,000 displaced residents.
In taking the decision to present SurfAid International with its 2007 Humanitarian Award, the Awards Committee and the WANGO International Council were impressed with the compassion and successful effort of SurfAid to address the dire health situation of the Mentawai people, with their high childhood mortality, the ravages of malaria, poor education, and poverty. SurfAid’s unique cutting edge solutions to alleviate the human suffering in the Mentawai Islands, and now Nias Island, promoting community-based solutions and tapping into the inherent values in the surfing community—individualism, courage, dynamism, and adaptability—is an example of humanitarian service that deserves widespread recognition. WANGO is delighted to recognize such efforts and bring greater worldwide awareness of the extraordinary accomplishments of SurfAid International.