The Brigada de Limpieza de Gigante (BLG) is a community program based in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua that aims to instil environmental awareness, respect for the community and each other through beach cleanups, swimming and surfing lessons. The BLG began in 2020 as an answer to the increase in trash on local beaches and the surrounding town. The idea was to involve the younger generation to help clean up the beaches and their community, and to learn why it is important to do so. The children involved range in age from 5 to 14 years old.

Surfing plays a large role in shaping the economy and culture of Playa Gigante and Southern Nicaragua. The great paradox is that while surfing is so prevalent, many local kids never get the chance to learn how to swim and surf due to economic and cultural constraints. In order to participate in the surfing portion of the program, kids must attend beach cleanups and environmental education. Twice a week around 30-50 kids eagerly meet at a local restaurant to begin the program. The kids are led by two young community members who serve as local role models.

The BLG promotes the inclusion of both girls and boys in the program. In the past year the amount of young girls surfing the local breaks has increased from zero to five. Three of these girls competed for the first time last July at a surf competition at Playa Remanso near San Juan del Sur!

Donations:
Your donations will help raise the annual funds we need to operate. The cost for a full year is $5,400 USD. Any additional funds raised are used to send these groms to surf competitions around Nicaragua. Other ways to support: providing old boards, leashes, or bringing down some extra wax

Paypal: paypal.me/HannahTaylor72
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Hannah-Taylor-25
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Please donate now and help out this amazing program in Playa Gigante! Check out the gallery below...