What is Olas Futuras?

Olas Futuras (Future Waves) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Puerto Rico’s athletes in competitive surfing by providing the essential resources, training, and opportunities needed to excel at the highest levels of the sport.

Based in Puerto Rico, our organization breaks down financial, logistical, and developmental barriers, ensuring that talented athletes can represent their countries with pride on the global stage, including the Olympics.

Group of young athletes and coaches in front of a yellow background with text that says 'ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2023 Rio de Janeiro,' holding a Puerto Rican flag.

Why does our organization exist?

  • Financial Barriers: Gear, travel, competition fees, lodging/living are extremely expensive for athletes 

  • Limited Access to Resources: Consistent access to high quality surf breaks, training facilities, wave pools, and experienced coaches are crucial for skill development.

  • Competitive Experience: Frequent exposure to high-level competitions so they can excel and qualify.

  • Lack of Institutional Support: Federation Backing-reliance on their country’s national sports federations for funding, training programs, and travel support, which is often limited for athletes from underfunded regions.

  • Health and Safety Challenges: Surfing is physically demanding and injuries happen.

  • Geopolitical or regional limitations: Political restrictions blocking access to international competitions.

  • Lack of Representation: Many countries face insurmountable challenges involved with international surfing organizations and events. 

  • Time and Commitment Barriers

Group of five young women holding surfboards on a sandy beach with a large palm tree, ocean, and clear sky in the background.

Our Mission:

To empower athletes in the Puerto Rico and beyond by equipping them with the resources, training, and opportunities necessary to excel in competitive surfing at the highest levels. Through comprehensive support in skill development, travel, and competition, we strive to enable dedicated athletes to represent their countries with pride on the global stage, inspire future generations, and foster unity within our communities through the transformative impact of surfing.