Something special brewed in our little coastal town of York. On September 17th (after a minor scramble to change the date thanks to Hurricane Lee,) we geared up to host our highly anticipated annual event, Surf Re-Evolution. This celebration of sustainability and community brought together like-minded individuals at our shop for a day filled with waves, talks, workshops, live demos, music, food, drinks, and a whole lot of fun.
The power of collaboration shone through, and our partnership with The Momentum proved invaluable. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability was a constant source of inspiration, playing a pivotal role in making this year's event truly memorable. Their dedication to sharing stories of those fighting for the environment aligned perfectly with our ethos.
Our Gear Section was proudly sponsored by Outerknown, a company deeply devoted to the planet. Their support for Surf Re-Evolution showcased their commitment to a more sustainable future for the apparel industry and beyond.
Stones Throw, a beloved local hotel and restaurant, generously sponsored our Learning Section and hosted us for an incredible kick-off party. Their commitment to community aligns with ours and we were thrilled to work with them.
The Speaker Series was a highlight, and having Greg Long, a renowned big-wave surfer and environmental advocate, as one of our guest speakers was an honor. Greg's journey and insights undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all attendees, thanks to the generous support of Parley for the Oceans.
The Surf Section took center stage, highlighting shapers and product innovators leading with creative and conscious practices. Sponsored by Entropy Resins, this section celebrated those making a positive impact on the environment within the surf industry.
No celebration was complete without Allagash Brewing Co., generously stocking our beer garden. Their commitment to sustainability and quality craft beers perfectly aligned with the ethos of Surf Re-Evolution.
The festivities kicked off early on Friday, September 15th, with a hangout at Stones Throw, setting the beachside vibes for the main event. Music by Kioea and an absolute killer sunset shining on some pretty perfect sets was straight out of a dream!
Surf Re-Evolution 2023 proved to be an unforgettable day of inspiration, learning, and fun. From talks and mini-workshops to live demos and an amazing lineup of vendors, there was something for everyone.
We can't express enough gratitude to our sponsors for helping turn this dream into reality, especially considering the event's success in raising funds for our friends at the High Fives Foundation. Roy Tuscany, CEO and Founder of Hi5s, shared information about how our donation has made an impact, and our hearts are overflowing.
Our donation has helped support programs like ‘Return to Dirt’, a service that through the leadership of athlete #78 (Tim Burr) has put 246 disabled individuals behind the wheel of their own adventures.
Some of High Five’s lifetime accomplishments blow our minds like having supported over 500 athletes since its inception, funding over 1,000 grants, and disbursing over $8 million. We are just honored to have helped, and to continue to help keep stoked folk doing what brings them joy.
Our introduction to High Fives came through Tim Brown, a long-time friend of Grain whom you might have met at SRE2023. When we proposed the idea of SRE benefiting Hi5s to Roy, his response was simply, 'Anything Tim Brown is a part of, is something we wholeheartedly align with and will always say YES to.' We have a soft spot for organizations and brands with a heart, and High Fives, along with our sponsors and vendors, exemplify just that!
For more information on how you can support High Fives Foundation click here. Don’t forget to check out Tim Browns podcast, The Unexpected Journey!