Seminar Ride the Inclusion Wave SURF AS An inclusive TOOL IN youth work

“Ride the Inclusion Wave” is a participatory seminar that aims to collectively explore the potential of surf and the water element as innovative tools in youth work, especially when engaging young people with disabilities and fewer opportunities.

Rooted in the unique context of coastal and island communities, the seminar brings together youth workers, educators and practitioners who are committed to making sport more accessible, inclusive and meaningful.

Surf is more than a sport. It is a transformative experience, where the connection with water creates a safe, sensory and empowering environment. For many young people — particularly those with disabilities or health challenges — this can open new pathways for confidence, autonomy and social participation.

Through this seminar, participants will learn from each other, share practices and co-create new approaches, exploring how the water element itself can become a powerful medium for inclusion, well-being and youth engagement.

While the seminar is particularly oriented towards organisations that are able to implement surf-based or water-based practices, it is equally open to organisations that are actively working with young people with inclusion profiles, and are interested in discovering and integrating new methodologies into their work.

Objectives:

• Explore surf and the water element as innovative tools for inclusive youth work, particularly for young people with disabilities and fewer opportunities.
• Strengthen the capacities of participants to design and implement inclusive, sport-based and non-formal education activities.
• Facilitate the exchange of good practices and real-life experiences in the fields of youth, sport and inclusion.
• Foster international cooperation and partnerships, encouraging the development of future joint projects (Erasmus+)
• Promote access, inclusion and well-being by raising awareness of the importance of making sport and natural environments accessible to all young people.

Who is this seminar for?

• The seminar is designed for motivated individuals and organizations active in youth work, inclusion, non-formal education, sport and international cooperation, with an interest in using surf and the water element as tools for inclusion. Participants are expected to join in teams of 2–3 people, including one experienced youth worker or representative and one or two participants willing to develop inclusive practices.

  Priority is given to organizations able to implement surf or water-based activities, while remaining open to those working with young people with inclusion profiles.

  We are aware that this is not always possible, so if you feel like this program is a fit for your aspirations and you identify in the next section, please apply. We expect to host a total of approximately 22 participants.

  Please note: We can only host participants from Erasmus+ programme countries.

  This is an alcohol and drugs free seminar, we ask you to respect this rule.

We expect to host participants who:

• Work directly with young people, such as youth workers, educators, facilitators, trainers and project coordinators;

• Represent youth organizations, NGOs, or informal groups interested in developing or strengthening international partnerships;

• Have experience or a strong interest in working with young people with fewer opportunities, including disabilities or health challenges;

• Are interested in exploring surf and the water element as innovative tools for inclusion in youth work;

• Are motivated to develop and co-create Erasmus+ and other European cooperation projects;

• Are willing to actively contribute, share practices and engage in a collaborative learning process.

Please read the infopack attached for more details.