Waves of Opportunity

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Lacanau
Waves of Opportunity

WAVES of Opportunity is an Erasmus+ project designed to empower young people through surf-based education and ocean-inspired learning.

05/06/2026

Catarina Matias, based in Lisbon, is a researcher and lecturer at Universidade Lusófona, within the FEFD – Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. She is also an integrated member of CIDEFES, the Research Group in Sports Behavior, Physical Education, Exercise and Health Sciences.

Her research focuses on Biochemistry, Body Composition, Nutrition, and Health Sciences. Catarina is highly involved in European projects thanks to her strong expertise, proactive mindset, and ability to develop innovative ideas and collaborative initiatives.

Within the “Waves of Opportunity” project, she plays a key role in supporting the project’s mission to empower NEETs by introducing them to surfing as a tool for personal development, social inclusion, and openness to the world. Her contribution is essential in helping young people gain confidence, discover new opportunities, and build stronger connections through sport and outdoor experiences.

21/05/2026

🇫🇷 🇵🇹 Lacanau Welcomes the Consul General of Portugal 🌊

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Miguel de Brito e Abreu, Consul General of Portugal, to Lacanau.

This meeting was an opportunity to highlight the many similarities between our municipality and several Portuguese coastal territories, while sharing a common ambition: building lasting ties of friendship with the Ericeira region through surf culture — a key part of our identity and our openness to the world.

We also presented the European projects that the municipality of Lacanau will be involved in over the next three years, focusing on surfing, inclusion, youth, and sport as a driver of social cohesion and international exchange.

Through these initiatives, Lacanau reaffirms its commitment to making surfing a genuine tool for sharing, innovation, and European cooperation.

A sincere thank you to the Consul for this visit and this meaningful exchange! 🤝🌍

24/04/2026

🌏 Sara Brivio is a highly motivated and skilled young professional from Italy, currently working as a coordinator at AL2SPORT.
She plays a key role in leading the European project Waves of Opportunity.

☀️ Frequently traveling for work, Sara ensures smooth collaboration between partners by organizing meetings, clarifying each stakeholder’s responsibilities, and keeping the project on track.

🏡 As the main point of contact, she is deeply committed to the success of this Erasmus+ initiative, which aims to make surfing more inclusive—especially for NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training).
Her dedication, organization, and leadership make her an essential driving force behind the project.

20/04/2026

The Ocean Belongs to Everyone

The horizon doesn't see borders, and the waves don't ask for a resume. 🌊

We are proud to fly the flag of WAVES OF OPPORTUNITY.

This European collaboration is more than just a surf program; it is a movement. By bringing together nations from across the continent, we are proving that the ocean is the ultimate classroom for growth, resilience, and inclusion.

Why Surfing?

Surfing is a transformative force. For young NEETs (those currently not in education, employment, or training), the water offers:

Mental Clarity: Finding focus in the rhythm of the tides.

Resilience: Learning that falling off is just part of the process of getting back up.

Belonging: Breaking isolation through a shared, supportive community.

Confidence: Reclaiming self-worth, one wave at a time.

Our Mission

We believe that every young person deserves a chance to find their flow. Inclusion isn't just a goal—it’s our North Star. By lowering the barriers to entry, we are opening doors to new professional horizons and personal breakthroughs.

"A rising tide lifts all boats. In our case, it lifts every surfer."

Together, across Europe, we are turning the tide. We are creating a sea of change where opportunity is as endless as the ocean itself. 🇪🇺🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

20/04/2026

🌊 Ribeira d’Ilhas hosted the 1st stop of the Central Surf Circuit! 🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

The weekend of April 18–19 delivered an electrifying showcase of surf, rising talent, and fierce competitive spirit 💥
📍 A total of 52 young athletes hit the waves, battling for regional titles and securing their spots in the national finals 🔥
With world-class conditions at the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, the action went down to the wire—unpredictable results and truly unforgettable moments 🙌

Ericeira Surf Clube

14/04/2026

🌊 Jesús Borrego: A Leader in European Surf Therapy 💙

🙍‍♂️ Meet Jesús Borrego, a dedicated therapist from Cádiz, Spain, and a key member of the Solo Surf Association. Jesús is a driving force behind the Waves of Opportunity European project, bringing his extensive expertise to this collaborative international effort.

*** About Solo Surf Association ***

Solo Surf is not just an organization; it is a pioneer in its field :
• A Historical Reference: Based in Cádiz for over a decade, it is recognized as the first therapeutic surf association in Europe and the second worldwide.
• Mission: The association is dedicated to providing aquatic leisure and therapy through surfing for individuals with functional diversity.
• Impact: It currently provides year-round services to over one hundred families, primarily across the provinces of Cádiz and Seville.
• International Inspiration: The unique methodology developed by Solo Surf has become a global benchmark, inspiring professionals and associations both in Spain and abroad.

Through the Waves of Opportunity project, Jesús and other European partners are working together to innovate and expand the reach of surf therapy across the continent.

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08/04/2026

Huge thanks to 58 SURF for hosting the Waves of Opportunity team! 🌊🛹

Our European project members were absolutely blown away by the scale and soul of Europe’s largest surf and skate shop right here in Ericeira. From the coastal style to that unmistakable Atlantic spirit, "The 58" is more than just a shop—it’s a true reflection of the free attitude we aim to promote.
An inspiring visit for an amazing human project! 🇪🇺🤝

📸 Pedro Broeiro / ESC

01/04/2026

🌊 Ready to ride the wave with us?

Follow WAVES OF OPPORTUNITY and be part of an inspiring European journey connecting surf, inclusion, and new opportunities! 🤝🏄‍♀️

👉 Stay tuned for stories, events, and good vibes from across Europe
👉 Discover how we empower young people and grow the surf community
👉 Join the movement and share the energy

📲 Follow us now:
Instagram:
Facebook: Waves Of Opportunity
🌐 https://wavesofopportunity.eu/

Let’s make waves together 💙

01/04/2026

😀 KICK-OFF MEETING 🤓

In Ericeira, last March, during the kickoff meeting of the European project WAVES OF OPPORTUNITY, teams from the various partner organizations worked on the shared objectives of ERASMUS+: identifying NEET youth to be included in the program, developing the surf industry by highlighting best practices, fostering inclusion, and sharing unifying events over the planned 36-month period.

Adresse

4 Lamothe Terrade
Lacanau
33140

Site Web

https://wavesofopportunity.eu/, https://www.instagram.com/waves_of_opportunity/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id

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