About
Based in Phuket, Thailand, the Surf & Ocean Foundation is dedicated to the growth of Thailand’s surfing community and the preservation of our oceans. We believe athletic excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
We support aquatic athletes through scholarships, education, and equipment donations, empowering them to excel in sports like surfing and paddleboarding. Our commitment extends to protecting Thailand’s coastal ecosystems in collaboration with environmental organizations — and to partnering with sports associations to develop water sports in a way that respects nature and serves the community.
Our mission
To empower aquatic athletes and protect Thailand’s oceans through sport, education, and environmental stewardship.
Our story
The Surf & Ocean Foundation (SURF&OCEAN FOUNDATION, abbreviated SOF) is a registered Thai foundation based in Phuket. It was founded in 2021 and registered with the Phuket Provincial Foundation Registrar on 13 December 2021 (Registration No. ภก 10/2564), with its establishment published in the Royal Gazette on 3 March 2022.
The Foundation was created to bring together a love of the ocean with a commitment to sport and community — supporting Thailand’s aquatic athletes while protecting the coastline they depend on. It operates strictly as a non-political, public-benefit charity.
Our objectives
- Support and promote athletes and sports personnel
- Provide scholarships for talented athletes and sports personnel in need
- Provide sports equipment for athletes who lack resources
- Support development through both academic work and activities
- Collaborate with sports associations to advance Thai sport
- Work with charitable and public-benefit organisations for the public good
Our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Surf & Ocean Foundation aligns its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through sport, education, and ocean stewardship, our programs contribute to seven of the global goals.
Well-being
SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being
Surfing and paddleboarding keep bodies strong and minds clear. By bringing people of all ages into the water and onto the beach, our programs promote active, healthy lifestyles, water safety, and mental well-being in coastal communities.
Equality
SDG 5 — Gender Equality
While water sports have long been seen as male-dominated, Thailand’s female athletes are reshaping the sport and breaking down old stereotypes.To aid them in their journey, we provide scholarships, equipment, and coaching to female athletes, support girls’ participation in junior programs, and promote women as coaches, judges, and leaders.
Inequalities
SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
Talent exists in every coastal community, but opportunity does not. Many young athletes from rural areas and indigenous communities cannot afford a board, coaching, or travel. We close that gap with scholarships, equipment, and training support, giving young Thais from all backgrounds a fair chance to compete. Our goal also extends beyond economics: we aim to empower all athletes regardless of gender, race and religious beliefs.
Action
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Thailand’s Surfers are among the first to see and experience the effects of climate change firsthand. Rising seas, stronger storms, and eroding beaches threaten our coastlines and our livelihoods. We raise awareness of these impacts, support climate education and action, and empower the surfing community to become advocates for protecting our Earth.
Water
SDG 14 — Life Below Water
The ocean is our playing field and our responsibility. Through beach cleanups, mangrove restoration, waste data collection using the International Coastal Cleanup method, and partnerships with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, we help reduce marine pollution and protect Thailand’s coastal ecosystems.
Strong Institutions
SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
We operate as a registered, transparent, non-political public-benefit foundation with a governing board and clear objectives. Through sport, we build inclusive communities, fair play, and respect — and we work with public agencies to strengthen good governance in coastal management and sport.
for the Goals
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
None of our work happens alone. We partner with the Thailand Surfing Federation, government agencies, local municipalities, businesses, and community volunteers to deliver cleanups, athlete programs, and conservation projects — multiplying our impact far beyond what one organisation could achieve.
Leadership
The Foundation is governed by its Board of Directors:
- Chanin Aiyarak — President (Chairman)
- Sarinya Aiyarak — Vice President
- Amintra Bila-abdulah — Director
- Kornnit Rueanghiran — Director
- Sumal Aiyarak — Director & Treasurer
Contact
211/310 M.5, T.Srisoonthorn, Thalang, Phuket, Thailand 83110
Tel: +66 99 469 7896 | Email: info@surfandocean.org
Registered Foundation Tax ID: 0993000464133