SalTy Souls began with the memory of our dear brother and friend, Tyler Kennedy, a Caloundra surfer and all round legend. Tyler lived in the moment bringing joy, laughter and love to all who crossed his path. In 2017, at aged 31, Tyler tragically died whilst on a trip to Bali.
After losing their brother Tyler, our co-founders, Tamara Smith and Michael Kennedy began their mission to honour his legacy.
“The dream to offer vulnerable children a surfboard of their own was sparked by the memory of our SalTy Soul brother, Tyler. He had a zest for life and a heart that was bigger and deeper than any ocean, he was the saltiest of souls. He lived to be in the water and his legacy will see struggling young people be given the same opportunity.”
“He learnt to surf on a second-hand board so that’s what we do with kids. We teach them to surf and then offer them a second-hand board and they might just end up like him – in the middle of a Tracks magazine. It really is a legacy.” – Tamara Smith
With Tyler’s legacy as the driving force, we will continue to strive in providing vulnerable kids and teens in our community the chance to surf, heal and re-connect through our ‘Stand Tall’ Program. Relax, Commit, Lock in, Stand Tall
THE LEGACY
Since launching in 2018, SalTy Souls has welcomed over 200 kids and teens through ten fully funded surf programs including refresher programs.
Thanks to collection days, donated boards and equipment, fundraisers and the support of our community and sponsors, we have been able to provide more than just a one-off surf class. Our Stand Tall program provides young people with a therapeutic medium to heal and gives them the opportunity to be a part of a strong surfing culture.
SPONSORSHIP
When John & Kaz Met Tamara at ‘’Your Mates Brewery’ on the Sunshine Coast-They couldn’t walk away.
After hearing the Incredible Program Saltys run & the Legacy behind the organisation-They knew they wanted to help wherever they could!
JAWA Off Road Campers are now proud Gold Sponsors of the Salty Soul Legacy.
If you would like to donate or purchase some Saltys Gear, please click on the link below:
With the legacy of Tyler we dedicate our heart and souls to providing vulnerable kids and teens the opportunity to thrive in the water and in life.
Through surfing, we aim to aid mental health recovery and promote a positive way of life for all kids and teens of all backgrounds. We utilise surfing and our coastline as a therapeutic medium to heal & be part of our strong surfing culture.
STAND TALL PROGRAM
The Stand Tall initiative is a 6-week, learn-to-surf therapy program for kids and teens that have been referred to us through youth organisations. Every participant receives a surfing starter kit and their very own refurbished surfboard or brand new softboard. From rashies to surf wax, our SalTy Souls have everything they need to get in to the water and learn the basics of surfing. This ensures that they can continue their love of the sport and journey back to better health after our program ends.
Throughout the 6-week ‘Stand Tall’ program, our SalTy Souls are surrounded by support. Surfers, Counsellors, Mentors and Caseworkers are all a part of the journey allowing for conversations and connections to be made on the day of surfing.
Through referrals, we also offer surfing gear for young people who are not able to join the 6-week program but want to get out in the ocean.
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