“The Mauli Ola Foundation began as a group of surfers who banded together to introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with cystic fibrosis. Since 2007, Mauli Ola has taken nearly 1,000 CF patients surfing at nearly 100 Surf Experience Days and has now expanded its reach with hospital visits and other activities that touch the lives of kids with cancer and a variety of other health challenges. In 2010, MOF was awarded The Agent of Change Award by SURFER Magazine for its positive contributions and example to the surfing community.” –Mauli Ola Foundation
Fulcrum Surf School was honored to get the opportunity to be a proud sponsor of the Mauli Ola Del Mar event on Saturday, July 7th. Fulcrum provided instruction in the water, 15 wetsuits, and 20 surfboards. Owner Dan Mori was interested in learning more about the disease and being able to take part in improving the participants’ health conditions. It was so inspiring to see how amped everyone was, the kids were giving it their all without giving up, living life to the fullest, said Mori.
We all learned a little bit more about the benefits of being out in the ocean. Surfing is the perfect therapy for those who are affected by CF. Surfing not only provides the opportunity to make new friends out in the water, but it literally has physical and biological benefits in terms of minimizing the direct effects of the disease. With CF, the body’s natural ability to break down and control the buildup of fiber in the lungs is limited, calling for heavy medications and medical procedures to compensate. The saline in the water and air that comes in contact with the body while surfing breaks down the buildup in the lungs, resulting in fewer hospital visits. So the rumors are not just rumors, they are scientific facts: surfing really does cure!
The next stop on the tour is nearby in Laguna Beach. To learn more about the Mauli Ola Foundation, go to www.mauliola.org