In September 2010 Desert2Surf headed to the Northern Territory to implement Surfing Deadly Desert Dreams. Part one of this project saw indigenous kids from remote communities in the Roper Gulf Shire, including Minyerri and Borooloola, paint surfboards (donated by Global Surf Industries) and try stand up paddle boarding for the first time at the beautiful Edith Falls waterhole.
Renowned, local indigenous artist Wesley Willika conceived the different ‘water’ designs for each of the donated surfboards and then, with boundless generosity, humour and grace, involved the indigenous kids in the unfolding magic of painting. The Roper Gulf Shire facilitated the kids’ stand up paddle boarding and subsequently has begun drafting a partnership agreement with Desert2Surf to support remote and disadvantaged indigenous youth to stand up paddle around Katherine as part of their diversionary youth program. Stand up paddling is a great surfing alternative on those calm, croc-free inland waters!
Part two of the Surfing Deadly Desert Dreams project involves Victorian indigenous kids getting involved in the surfboard painting project and surfing with the Desert2Surf crew on Victoria’s West Coast.
