Surf Art Project: Waves of inspiration on the Eastern Shore

The Surf Art Project which is taking place at Camp Brunswick in East Chezzetcook from July 23-31.

Ten teenagers from the Eastern Shore are getting a crash course in all things surfing during a nine-day youth camp which is taking place at Camp Brunswick in East Chezzetcook.

The camp, called the Surf Art Project, is being supported by local surf artists and surfers, who are mentoring teens ages 14 to 19 as they learn to shape and sand their own boards, design the art which will decorate their board, and learn to surf.

Led by expert shaper Brent Seamone, local surfer/educator Juel Maerz and HRM Recreation instructor Jenny Thornhill, the program was designed by the Nova Scotia Sea School, an organization devoted to promoting Maritime seafaring traditions and values to young people.

Now in its second year, the goal of the Surf Art Project is to provide youth with a life-changing opportunity to work as a team and push their personal limits as they build something beautiful and functional with their own hands.

Another goal is to inspire community development while focusing on creative art and recreation.

With the generous support of The 4Cs Community Arts Foundation and local partner HRM Recreation, the program utilizes the talents of local surf culture including the Quiksilver Surfschool, One Life Surf School, Burnside Fiberglass Marine Supply, Fist Fulla Fives, the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) and numerous volunteer artists, shapers, surfers and youth alumni from the 2009 program.

“This is an amazing opportunity for participants. They not only get to build their own surfboard, but they are building great memories and relationships that will last a lifetime!” said Doug Murphy, Community Recreation Coordinator for HRM.

“They say Nova Scotia is Canada’s Atlantic Playground, and this program introduces the ocean as a whole new place for youth to play, right in their own backyards!”

This year, the Nova Scotia Sea School and its partners have incorporated new creative elements into the program including video/photo documentation, zines, and surfboard art.