Discovering Hidden Talent
"While we were on land practicing surfing basics, I could already tell that Gian had a natural instinct for the sport. I was excited for him to get into the water. Sure enough, he was amazing, managing to stand up on his board within the first few attempts."
When Year 5 Navigator Bailey Beddis took her group of Dreamers to Sandy Bay as part of the I Have a Dream Holiday Programme in January, one young Dreamer revealed a natural talent for surfing that could lead to big things.
Bailey said all the Dreamers had an unforgettable day, but even before they hit the water, she noticed that Gian had an instinctive feel for surfing. She was excited to see him get into the water.
“Sure enough, he was incredible—he managed to stand up on his board within his first few attempts,” Bailey said. “And his behaviour during the session was outstanding—calm, focused, and completely in the moment.”
Gian’s mother joined the I Have a Dream team and Gian for the day and shared with Bailey that when he returned home, he couldn’t stop talking about his surfing experience. Recognising the importance of encouraging his new passion, Bailey took immediate action.
“I found my daughter’s old surfboard at home and dropped it off to him the following week,” Bailey explained. “Then, we teamed up with ReSport Charitable Trust Whangarei to provide him with a wetsuit.”
Bailey has since secured funding through the I Have A Dream Matakokiri Fund to provide Gian with three private surf lessons at Tutukaka Surf. Bailey believes that, with the right support, Gian could one day become a professional surfer.
Tutukaka Surf has been sharing the Polynesian sport of kings—surfing—on the stunning Tutukaka Coast for many years. As one of our Dream Partners, they help Dreamers discover the magic of the waves, teaching them not only how to surf but also about the unique coastal environment.
Tutukaka Surf’s Simon Eggington said for many of the Dreamers, it was their first time surfing.
“They had a great time, and we took the opportunity to teach them about surf safety, how to choose waves, and basic techniques to get the most out of their time in the water,” Simon explained.
Surfing offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for tamariki (children). It’s not just about catching waves—it’s a full-body workout that boosts fitness and helps build confidence and resilience.
Paddling strengthens the shoulders, back, core, and legs. Balancing on a surfboard enhances coordination and improves balance. Beyond the physical benefits, surfing has also been shown to reduce stress, allowing tamariki to disconnect from screens and immerse themselves in the natural world, helping them mentally recharge.
Additionally, surfing fosters a strong connection to the ocean, teaching tamariki the importance of environmental conservation and their role in protecting nature. By overcoming their fears in the water, they experience a sense of accomplishment and build resilience and confidence in their abilities.
We cannot thank Tutukaka Surf enough for taking the time to give our Dreamers such an unforgettable experience and for sharing their passion for the ocean with us.
If you are inspired to get on board and become one of our very special Dream Partners, click here – for more information.
Explore more milestones, stories, and impact highlights from the past year in our 2024 Annual Report.
