Sharing a surf session with a loved one is a meaningful experience.
In Cornwall, UK, Sam Joyce and Ben Skinner have teamed up to create a surfboard memorializing 2,000 people who passed away by inscribing their names on it. The board, shaped by Skinner, will honor them every time it’s surfed.
The idea was inspired by the One Last Wave Project, spearheaded by American Dan Fischer after his father and dog passed away in 2019.
In the video above, Fischer says: “There’s always one more opportunity to honor our loved ones, they don’t have to really be gone if we can find ways to love them and to honor them. While there’s always one more wave to catch, there’s always one more way to honor them.”
So far, the project has produced five boards adorned with thousands of names. Joyce and Skinner’s creation will be OLWP’s first European board and seventh overall, while the sixth is underway in Santa Cruz.
Joyce was first involved with OLWP when he submitted the name of his friend, Will Jones, who died surfing in Peru last year. He was memorialized on OLWP’s fourth board. Boards six and seven are currently open for name submissions, Fischer said.
OLWP’s mission is “To harness the healing power of the ocean to help grieving families coping with the loss of a loved one.”
Comments on OLWP’s Instagram prove its “mission accomplished.”
“I get a bit misty every video you share of any of the boards, especially #5, that’s where my heart is ❤️🏄♂️🌊,” said one follower.
“Our Sweet Mom is on Board #3…♥️ Miss her so very much!!,” expressed another.
“Love seeing all the boards go out but especially this one. My daughter Addisen is on board #3,” someone shared.
“Thank you Dan, tons of emotions every time I see board 3. My son loved the water, this is a perfect tribute. Not sure how many names you have put on boards but I’m so grateful my son is one,” said another person.
To submit the name of a loved one to be inscribed on a board, visit OLWP’s website or Instagram @onelastwaveproject.
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