Surf Industry Unites to Provide Clean Water to 75K Puerto Ricans

SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) has surpassed its goal of $30,000 to support Waves for Water’s filtration efforts on the ground in Puerto Rico. In the weeklong campaign, the surf industry partnered to raise over $39,000 – enough funds that will directly provide clean water to more than 75,000 residents for years to come. 

“It’s been just over a month since Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico, our friends, colleagues, and the millions of people living there,” said Dylan Slater, President of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund. “I’m proud of this industry’s quick response to unite and support a territory that we all share the utmost common concern for. We’re honored to align with Waves For Water and support their amazing work in Puerto Rico.”

More than 80 donors, from SIMA member brands, surf industry professionals and the public from around the United States and world made donations. Key financial support came from Billabong, EARTHPACK, Eros Schooner Yachts, L*SPACE America, Nixon, O’Neill, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Roxy, Stance, SURFER and Surfline. The amount raised will cover the cost of more than 750 MVP Filtration systems, which is the fastest, easiest and most cost-efficient way to get pure potable water to those in need. One system can provide 100 people with clean water for up to 5 years. At 0.1 micron absolute, it is impossible for any bacteria, protozoa or cysts to pass through the filter i.e. Cholera, Botulism, Typhoid, Amoebic Dysentery, E. coli, Giardia etc.