Two countries. One mission.
Soul Surf Social Project 🇦🇺 and Projeto Soul Surf 🇧🇷 — bridged by family, fuelled by purpose.
🇦🇺 Soul Surf Social Project
A non-profit organisation based in Australia, created to spark opportunities through surfing, education, and mentorship. While direct social activities are still being structured, the project already raises funds to support Projeto Soul Surf in Brazil and is actively preparing local initiatives designed for Australian community needs.
Our vision is to build strong foundations through partnerships, community events, and awareness campaigns that will open new paths for disadvantaged youth and families.
🇧🇷 Projeto Soul Surf
Founded in September 2021 in Itanhaém (SP), Brazil, this non-profit civil society organisation uses surfing as a tool for inclusion and social transformation. It serves children and adolescents living in vulnerable conditions, offering free surf lessons, educational support, and personal development opportunities.
Surfing is more than a sport — it's a vehicle for life.
The roots of Soul Surf Social Project.
The Soul Surf Social Project was born from the vision of João Rodrigues, a Brazilian surfer passionate about the ocean and social transformation, who now lives in Australia and leads the project here. Its roots are deeply tied to his mother, Áurea Rodrigues Fonseca, founder and heart of Projeto Soul Surf in Brazil.
Áurea dedicated her life to education as a teacher, coordinator, and trainer of teachers. She always encouraged her children to embrace sport as a path to discipline, health, and community — treating every child and family as part of her own. These values shaped João's path.
At 18, João left the coast to work in engineering but never abandoned surfing or his drive for social impact. In 2016, he moved to Australia and became a citizen. In 2021, he and Áurea co-founded Projeto Soul Surf in Brazil. In 2025, João launched Soul Surf Social Project in Australia.
From the sea to life. From Brazil to the world.
To empower children and teenagers facing social vulnerability through an integrated approach combining surfing, recreation, health, and education — reducing inequality, preventing school dropouts, combating drugs and violence, and inspiring young people to become resilient and responsible leaders.
We envision a world where every child has access to opportunities, mentorship, and personal growth, enabling them to build a brighter and more inclusive future. Together we create waves of positive change that reach far beyond the shoreline.
Every wave you fund is a life rewritten.
100% of donations support free surf education, mentorship, and opportunity for children facing social vulnerability.