This Hawaiian non-profit organization’s main objective is to award grants to deserving, National Scholastic of Surfing Association (NSSA) surfers to compete at the National Championships (Nationals) held annually in June at Lower Trestles. The higher level of competition at Nationals is critical for young surfers because it allows groms to showcase their talent to the entire surf industry. A good result at Nationals can lead to lucrative sponsorships and increased media exposure.

We had the idea to make the koa tree a metaphor for nurturing young amateur surfers’ talent, by planting the “seeds for success”– education, hard work and the ‘aloha spirit.’ With the foundation, I hope to give talented groms opportunities for success and start reciprocal cycle of giving back that will outlive my professional career as a surfer.

The Acacia koa is endemic to Hawaiian Islands and its wood was the most prized lumber for constructing canoes and surfboards in ancient Hawai‘i. Today, koa wood is an extremely valuable for building furniture and musical instruments like the ‘ukulele.

For more info please visit www.koatreefoundation.com.

Koa Boi and Koa Tree Foundation recipiant Kalani David at the release of Riding With Koa.