Sea Together

With “Sea Together” we ride over the waves! Young people heal with the waves and grow stronger together. A collaboration between Hatay Sörf Merkezi and The Purest Solutions

Sea Together,

A leadership program implemented in partnership between The Purest Solutions and Hatay Sörf Merkezi, aimed at empowering young people affected by the disaster and supporting gender equality.

The program supports young people's physical and mental development by offering them new opportunities through field work abroad, surf training, gender equality workshops and mentoring programs. While contributing to the recovery of disaster-affected communities, it aims to build a sustainable surf culture and a solidarity network in Hatay.

Inspired by the power of the sea, young people discover their own potential, overcome entrenched prejudices and create change for equality, wave after wave.

Sea Together participants
Project Steps

2025 Impact Summary

In 2025, as part of the Sea Together program:

  • 17 young people joined the program as “Surf Leaders”
  • Participants received an average of 280 hours of surf training per person
  • 16 hours of international mentoring support were provided
  • 60 hours of individual psychosocial sessions were held
  • Workshops focusing on gender equality and children's rights were organized
  • Inclusive and safe space practices were put in place at the center

Thanks to these efforts, young people's physical resilience, emotional awareness and social bonds were strengthened.

Surf Leadership and Mentorship Program

  • Participants received regular training in longboard surfing at the Hatay Sörf Merkezi. Individual and team training supported the development of physical endurance, discipline and self-confidence.
  • Thanks to mentoring led by international instructors who are experts in their field, the young people had the chance to get to know global surf culture and reflect on their own development.

International Field Experience

  • The young people in the project took part in an intensive training camp in Ahangama, Sri Lanka's world-famous surf town.
  • They improved their technical skills by working with professional surfers.
  • They experienced global surf culture by meeting athletes from different cultures.
  • They brought the knowledge and inspiration they gained back to Hatay and prepared to build a local surf community.

Rights-Based and Inclusive Approach

Sea Together combines the transformative power of sport with a rights-based approach.
Throughout 2025:

  • Gender equality
  • Nonviolent communication
  • Children's rights
  • Creating safe spaces

were the subjects of workshops and individual sessions.
Child protection policies began to be developed within the center, and inclusive arrangements in physical spaces

Voices of the Participants

  • “I joined this year, I was afraid of the waves, and I found courage with the support of my friends here.” (Age 13)

  • “I like spending time in the waves and striving to achieve something.” (Age 16)

  • “After the period education session, I learned that it is nothing dirty.” (Age 12)

This feedback reflects the positive change the program creates in young people's lives.

Future Vision2026 and Beyond

In 2026, Sea Together aims to reach wider audiences with the Sea Together Festival to be held in Hatay.

As part of the festival:

  • Spaces will be created where young people can share their experiences
  • Trainings, panels and workshops will be organized
  • Collaborations with local and international stakeholders will be strengthened

In the long term, Sea Together aims to build a sustainable ecosystem of sport, solidarity and youth in Hatay.

Photos from the Sea Together program: participants with surfboards and training on the beach