“HaGal Sheli” is a nonprofit utilizing surfing as an educational tool to empower at-risk youth. Established in 2012, “HaGal Sheli” accompanies at-risk teenagers ages 13-18 from different educational institutions, social service programs, and youth shelters. We offer a multi-year, educational program aimed at instilling confidence and self-esteem necessary to overcome life’s challenges. “HaGal Sheli” activity caters to boys and girls alike from all walks of Israeli society.
Surfing is an empowering experience applicable to life itself; confronting waves and tides, coping with unpredictable weather conditions, falling off the surfboard, and getting back up – each element having a lasting impact on every participant. Through educating and mentoring today’s “forgotten” and “overlooked” teenagers, we create tomorrow’s community leaders. Starting with “HaGal Sheli” teenagers, their successes radiate upon friends, family, educators, and community leaders.
“As in the sea, as in life”
“HaGal Sheli” is a well-established nonprofit, comprising three educational surfing centers along the Israeli coast – Bat Yam, Tel Aviv, and Kfar Galim (Haifa). Annually, “HaGal Sheli” mentors over 1,000 at-risk teens, and proudly has over 4,400 actively involved graduates in our community.