Question 1

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

Accepted Answer

Surf For Life Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend purchasing "Cancel for Any Reason"
travel insurance within 2-3 weeks of your initial booking.

Your trip commitment consists of two parts: the Trip Fee (direct volunteer expenses) and the Project Donation (funds that go directly to our in-country partners).

Our policy is designed to honor our contracts with local businesses and community partners while providing as much flexibility as possible for our volunteers. However in order to prepare for the partners to build, we pay for the materials 2-3 months prior to the trip.

If Surf For Life Cancels
●      Low Enrollment: If we don’t reach our 5-participant minimum, we will notify you at least 60 days out. You will receive a full refund or a full credit toward another trip.
●      Unforeseen Circumstances: If SFL must cancel due to factors beyond our control (natural disasters, political unrest, etc.), we are not liable for refunds of the Trip Fee. This allows us to protect our local partners. Your travel insurance should be used to cover these costs.
●      Project Status: If a project is cancelled, we will contact you to discuss your donation. You may choose to leave it as a contribution to our local nonprofit partner or request a refund for those specific funds.
If You Cancel
Your options depend on when you notify us:
 
Support the Mission
If you need to cancel but would like to convert your Trip Fee or Donation into a tax-deductible gift to support the community build, please let us know. We will gladly provide a donation receipt for your records.  Questions? Reach out to us at trips@surfforlife.org.

Question 2

What is the total financial commitment for my trip?

Accepted Answer

The total financial commitment for your trip includes both your Trip Fee & the Fundraising Requirement, which is a total of $2750

1.    Trip Fee: $750 Covers:
○     Accommodations
○     Food
○     Airport Shuttle & In Country Transport to Activities
○     One Surf Lesson (if appropriate)
○     2-3 Cultural Activities/Excursions

2.   Fundraising Requirement: $2,000
This is where the impact happens! Every participant commits to contributing or fundraising a minimum of $2,000 as a direct donation. These funds are used intentionally to drive community growth, covering:
○     Project Infrastructure: All building materials and skilled local labor required for the clinic expansion.
○     Long-Term Sustainability: Critical funding to ensure the project remains operational and impactful for years to come.
○     Future Initiatives: Supporting the continued mission of Surf For Life future building projects.

How to Meet Your Fundraising Goal
You have several paths to reach your $2,000 contribution, and we are here to support you every step of the way:
○     Personal Contribution: Make a direct, tax-deductible donation. Be the hero of your own mission!
○     Community Fundraising: Rally your network. Through social media, family, and friends, we have seen hundreds of volunteers fully cover their donation and trip costs by sharing their purpose.
○     Corporate Matching: Double your impact! Check if your employer offers a gift-matching program to make your contribution go twice as far.

Question 3

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Since each trip varies, we will go into more detail about what to bring at a group conference call set up before your trip.
However, you can refer to this general packing list:

Personal Items
Current passport, including a photocopy
Additional ID, such as a driver’s license
Print-out of round-trip flight itinerary
Daypack or bag for carrying personal items to/from worksite and excursions
Large, reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses and/or contacts
Flashlight or headlamp
Cash and ATM cards: to purchase souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and to tip the staff at your host hotel
Toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothbrush and paste, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Travel towel
Medication: diarrhea medication (Imodium), constipation pills, vitamins/supplements, anti-itch spray or cream
Prescription medication, if needed
Allergy medication, if needed
First aid: ibuprofen, bandaids, antiseptic cream (Neosporin)
Rehydration tablets or electrolyte packets
Sunscreen (sport or waterproof)
Insect repellent with DEET
Electronics: travel plug adapter (if necessary), music / portable speakers, camera, GoPro, charging devices, etc.
Miscellaneous: journal and pen, book or e-Reader, games, playing cards
Snacks for in between meals (i.e. trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit)
Ziploc or dry bags to keep electronics and valuables dry

Clothing
Appropriate clothing for getting sweaty, wet, dusty, and dirty
Comfortable clothing to change into for evenings and cultural immersion activities, e.g. light long sleeves and pants to cover up in the evenings (protect your ankles from mosquitoes!)
Light jacket, sweatshirt, or wrap
Sleepwear
Hat with brim
Swim suit / swim trunks
Swimming cover-up or sarong
Rain poncho / jacket
Sandals or flip-flops
Water/mud/sand-friendly light shoes

For Construction Projects
Old work clothes or quick-drying athletic clothes
Closed-toed athletic shoes or boots
Long lightweight pants or 3/4 length pants (athletic or yoga pants okay)  - no shorts
Shirts with sleeves - no tank tops
Extra change of clothes / shoes to change into after construction and before activities with students (optional -  simply for comfort as you may get wet and muddy on the worksite)
Work gloves (Such as these: Amazon.  Also available for purchase at any local hardware store)
Bandana to protect against dust and wipe away sweat

Question 4

Do I need vaccinations or malaria medication?

Accepted Answer

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may be required for travel, so please consult with your doctor. Do this as soon as possible, as some vaccines may have specific time requirements.

Click here to view a list of recommended vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Question 5

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend purchasing travel insurance. It is affordable and could end up saving you thousands of dollars in case you must cancel your trip. There are several options, but we recommend TravelGuard. Be sure to include the Cancel For Any Reason Coverage, which reimburses up to 100% of your pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs for unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel your trip. Plans can include valuable medical coverage, trip interruption emergency travel services, and more.

Question 6

What expenses and travel services are covered by my Surf For Life minimum fundraising commitment?

Accepted Answer

Your fundraising commitment covers program fees (including all arranged living expenses, transportation from the airport at final destination, surf lessons (if applicable), excursions and volunteer project expenses). Donations support the design and implementation of each project, (that may include the hiring of architects, engineers and local construction crew for construction projects), and cost of materials.

Question 7

Something came up.  Can I change my reservation to another week later in the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have one year to apply it towards another trip.

Our full cancellation policy is below: 
Surf For Life Cancellation Policy
Your trip commitment consists of two parts: the Trip Fee (direct volunteer expenses) and the Project Donation (funds that go directly to our in-country partners).
Our policy is designed to honor our contracts with local businesses and community partners while providing as much flexibility as possible for our volunteers.
We strongly recommend purchasing "Cancel for Any Reason"
travel insurance within 2-3 weeks of your initial booking.
 
If Surf For Life Cancels
●      Low Enrollment: If we don’t reach our 5-participant minimum, we will notify you at least 60 days out. You will receive a full refund or a full credit toward another trip.
●      Unforeseen Circumstances: If SFL must cancel due to factors beyond our control (natural disasters, political unrest, etc.), we are not liable for refunds of the Trip Fee. This allows us to protect our local partners. Your travel insurance should be used to cover these costs.
●      Project Status: If a project is cancelled, we will contact you to discuss your donation. You may choose to leave it as a contribution to our local nonprofit partner or request a refund for those specific funds.
If You Cancel
Your options depend on when you notify us:
 
> Note: The $50 administration fee is waived if you choose to transfer your funds to a future trip credit.Support the Mission
If you need to cancel but would like to convert your Trip Fee or Donation into a tax-deductible gift to support the community build, please let us know. We will gladly provide a donation receipt for your records.  Questions? Reach out to us at trips@surfforlife.org.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions