HaGal Sheli cofounders Omer Tulchinsky and Yaron Waksman. Photo: courtesy
HaGal Sheli (My Wave) uses surfing to empower at-risk youth
“HaGal Sheli” (My Wave) is a non-profit organization that uses surfing as an educational tool and provides at-risk youth with the chance to ‘ride the wave’ and succeed. By facing the unique forces of the sea and overcoming the challenge of surfing the participants are instilled with the self-confidence and sense of achievement necessary to propel them through equivalent life challenges.
“HaGal Sheli” operates various programs for teenagers between the ages of 13-18 from all walks of Israeli society – Jews, Muslims and Christians; secular and non-secular; immigrants; and boys and girls alike.
Facing the waves together at HaGal Sheli. Photo: courtesy
To be a significant youth organization, touching the lives of thousands of young people, with surf centers along the coast of Israel.
We are educators and people of the sea, and we aspire to help at-risk youth find their inner strength in order to deal with the challenges of life.
We believe that through the life-shaping encounter with the sea, and through a unique and structured educational process, these teenagers will acquire elevated self-worth and self-confidence which will serve as a stepping stone for future success in their lives.
We operate out of the belief that creating a positive environment and a sense of belonging while using the therapeutic elements of the sea, will provide the participants with a real opportunity to ‘catch a wave’, on their way to a better life.
Just like at sea – so it is in life
