Words by Mario Ordoñez-Calderón

My journey with surfing began in my adulthood, after being stationed on Camp Pendleton, CA during my time as a Corpsman (medic) in the Navy. It was then when I discovered the profound connection to the ocean, oneself, and community that comes along with riding waves. In a roundabout way, surfing is what brought me to be a Cotopaxi Ambassador for the previous four years. This love for the ocean quickly transformed into a deeper sense of responsibility to protect and share this precious resource, especially with communities like that of my own, that are often excluded from accessing it. This is how Un Mar de Colores was born.

Un Mar de Colores isn’t just a surf camp, it’s an eco-therapy program that blends culturally proficient environmental education as a movement that empowers underserved youth to reclaim their rightful space along the coastlines. We use surfing as a vehicle to cultivate environmental stewardship and promote mental wellness, believing that when youth feel a sense of belonging to the ocean, they are more likely to protect it. We blend experiential learning with conservation, creating unique opportunities for our participants to grow as leaders in their communities and as future caretakers of the sea. 

One standout project this year has been our Generación SEA: Binational Youth Climate Academy, which empowers youth from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to address the climate issues they face in their communities. Through climate science, bi-national community building, and workshops with industry experts, our students become equipped to lead solutions to local problems like coastal erosion and water pollution. This academy aligns with our broader advocacy efforts, including helping to secure the Tijuana River’s designation as one of America’s Top 10 Most Endangered Rivers—a critical step in raising awareness about the cross-border pollution crisis and pushing for real policy changes. It reflects our commitment to building a coalition of informed, inspired young people who will champion the health of our planet for years to come, living up to our motto: “One Ocean Touches All Shores.”

For us, surfing is more than a sport—it’s a bridge between communities and the environment. Un Mar de Colores serves as that bridge, building a more inclusive future for both people and the planet. One of the core values of 1% for the Planet is to drive positive environmental change, and we contribute by focusing on equity in outdoor spaces. We believe that to truly protect our planet, we need to engage all communities—particularly those historically excluded from environmental movements. Our surf therapy sessions, ocean stewardship programs, and climate resilience academies are designed to offer free access to nature-based experiences, nurturing a diverse generation of ocean advocates.

As our grassroots organization continues to grow, our partnership with 1% for the Planet enables us to sustain this vital work and connect with others who share our vision for a healthier, more inclusive future. Together, we’re demonstrating that meaningful change begins at the intersection of community, access, and environmental stewardship. Whether it’s a day catching waves, planting native species, or tackling complex climate issues, every experience we offer is a step toward empowering youth as the next generation of ocean stewards. We’re grateful to be part of this movement and are excited for the impact we’ll continue to make—one shoreline, one community, and one young leader at a time. Because when we invest in the potential of our youth, we’re not just protecting our shores—we’re shaping the future of our planet.