Spotlight - Sierra // Surf For Life
In this Spotlight, we sit down with Sierra Brasher, Director of Volunteer Programs at Surf For Life, a nonprofit that merges surfing, community service, and conscious travel. From shaping rooms in Southern California to project sites across the globe, Sierra shares how surfing transformed her life and how Surf For Life creates lasting impact in coastal communities through meaningful, volunteer-driven projects. Her journey is a powerful reminder that service, connection, and the ocean can be beautifully intertwined.
//////////
Q. Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Sierra - Hi! I’m Sierra Brasher, the Director of Volunteer Programs at Surf For Life. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and honestly I would have never imagined in a million years that I would become a surfer, much less that I would help run a surf nonprofit. Growing up in a landlocked town, I was always deeply intrigued by the ocean and by surf culture when I traveled but didn’t think I would ever be part of it.
Q. What initially sparked your passion for surfing, and how has it evolved into a major part of your life?
Sierra - At 28, I made a leap of faith and moved to southern California to work for a surfboard blank company (this was right after Clark Foam closed their doors) — even though I had never actually been on a surfboard! The surfboard industry at that time was very male-dominated, especially in the shaping world, but I was lucky to earn a place behind the scenes. I spent time in the shaping rooms with legends like Midget Smith and Terry Martin, learning about the craft and culture firsthand. Oh, the stories they would tell...
Learning to surf as an adult wasn’t easy — weekends at San Onofre and Doheny were full of wipeouts and humbling lessons. I had to overcome a lot of fear and let go of my ego. But surfing became my therapy, my church, and my meditation. Being in the ocean isn’t just about catching waves — it’s about those moments of pause and reflection between.
Even before I ever stood on a surfboard, I was drawn to the spirit of surfing — the connection to nature, the community, the freedom. Once I finally started surfing myself, it changed everything. It taught me resilience, patience, and how to be fully present. Surfing isn't just a hobby for me; it’s become a way of life and a way of staying connected to something bigger than myself.
Q. What first inspired you to get involved with Surf For Life?
Sierra - I’ve always believed in the power of travel to open minds and hearts. After working in the surfboard manufacturing industry (and learning to surf), I knew that surfing was something I wanted in my life forever — but I also realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to help people, to be part of something with a deeper purpose, and to work within the nonprofit world.
When I found Surf For Life, their mission immediately resonated with me — blending service work with surf culture in a way that’s sustainable, respectful, and community-driven. I loved the idea of surfing not just being about personal fulfillment, but about building real connections and creating a lasting, positive impact. It felt like a way to live out my love for the ocean and my passion for service at the same time.
Q. For those unfamiliar, can you share what Surf For Life does and the impact it has in the communities you serve?
Sierra - Surf For Life started in 2008, founded by a small group of surfers who believed that the spirit of surfing could be a force for good beyond the ocean. Today, it’s a women-run organization — led by myself and two other incredible women — and we’re proud to have completed over 70 brick and mortar projects in more than 20 communities around the world.
We partner with coastal communities to complete meaningful volunteer projects, like building schools, health clinics, and community centers. While most of our projects are based in surf communities, we’ve also expanded to places such as the Sacred Valley of Peru, Tonga, Cambodia and Nepal where the connection may not be surfing, but the spirit of partnership and culturally respectful tourism guide our efforts.
At its core, Surf For Life is about creating lasting relationships — not just one-time visits — and making sure that everything we do supports the dreams and goals of the communities themselves.
Q. Why was surfing chosen as the bridge between Surf For Life’s volunteers and the communities they serve?
Sierra - Surfing naturally creates a deep connection to the ocean and the communities that live alongside it. It's a universal language — no matter where you are in the world, the experience of being in the water, reading the waves, and respecting the ocean creates an immediate bond.
When Surf For Life was founded, the idea was to harness that shared love for the ocean as a bridge between volunteers and local communities — a way to build trust, friendship, and mutual respect. Surfing breaks down barriers quickly; it reminds us that we’re all connected by something bigger than ourselves. And while some of our projects today extend beyond surf communities, that spirit of connection — through water, environment, and community — is still at the heart of everything we do.
Q. Could you share one particularly memorable experience from a Surf For Life project that captures the heart of the organization’s impact?
Sierra - One of my most unforgettable experiences was last year in Pavones, Costa Rica, where we partnered with an organization called Corazones Del Oro to help build a community center for the elder population. What stood out most wasn’t just the work we did, but the way the community showed up for us — they were there every day bringing lunch, snacks, and so much laughter.
During work breaks, they’d dance and joke with us, reminding us how important it is to stay connected through joy. At the end of the week, the community threw a party at one of their homes. They showed up with food, drinks, and a karaoke machine, and we partied hard with those elders. It was one of the most fun and heartwarming experiences I’ve ever had — we celebrated together, bonded over music, and realized that sometimes the most meaningful work is simply showing up and sharing life.
Q. As the Director of Volunteer Programs, what do you find most rewarding about guiding volunteers to make a real difference in these communities?
Sierra - The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the transformation in both the volunteers and the communities we serve. Volunteers come in with the intention to “give back,” but they often leave realizing they’ve received just as much — if not more. Watching people step outside their comfort zones, build real relationships, and leave with a new perspective on service and community is truly amazing. It’s a reminder that the work we do is about more than just physical projects — it’s about fostering personal growth, creating deep connections, and expanding hearts and minds.
Q. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from working alongside the communities Surf For Life supports?
Sierra - I’ve learned that travel shouldn’t be a selfish experience. It can be an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to connect in ways that are much deeper than tourism. When we approach travel with humility, curiosity, and respect, it becomes a two-way exchange — not just about what we see or do, but about the relationships we build and the lessons we carry with us long after we leave. That’s where real personal and collective growth happens.
Q. For anyone interested, how can they learn more about Surf For Life or get involved?
Sierra - Join us on a trip! We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers who are passionate about service, travel, and making real connections. The best way to learn more is by visiting our website at surfforlife.org, where you can see upcoming volunteer opportunities in Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, make a donation or sponsor a project, read about our past projects, and get a feel for what we’re all about.
You can also follow us on social media to stay connected to our community and see the stories unfolding in real time. Whether you’re a surfer, a traveler, or someone just looking to make a difference, there’s a place for you here;-)
