Our Story
Founded on Forgiveness
StreetWaves was founded by Maurice “Maui” Goodbeer, a “Soul Surfer” from San Diego, California who has dedicated his life to bringing youth from under-served communities out to the ocean to swim, surf and sail. In 2003 Maui Goodbeer's younger brother Melvyn W. Patterson III was brutally gunned down in an Oceanside, California shopping mall by a 16-year-old gang member. Maui, while delivering his brothers eulogy, made a promise that he would personally do "something" to help youth in need. In 2008 the vision for StreetWaves came to him while out on a lone surf session in Miami Beach.
Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers all of our programs free of charge to youth participants through generous donations, grants and volunteerism. StreetWaves has successfully taught thousands of youth surfing, swimming and boating and provides an enriching outdoor experience that connects participants with nature, their community at large, and themselves.
Mentorship Program
The StreetWaves Mentorship program is designed to provide professional level instruction in swimming, surfing and boating safety. Additionally, the program shares environmental education and exposes the youth to maritime careers. Our team is passionate about exposing BIPOC (Brown, Indigenous, People Of Color) youth to ocean life. StreetWaves offers personal growth, improved physical and emotional well-being, an increased awareness of our natural environment and most importantly, water intelligence.
StreetWaves is now serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and continues to build its capacity along the coast. We are currently looking to partner with youth organizations and we are also recruiting volunteers. ​If you would like to participate, volunteer, or donate, please contact us at maui@streetwaves.org or (786) 267-8448.
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Partners
We rely on the financial and in-kind support of individuals, foundations and companies to support our mission and expand our impact. Below are some of our Corporate and Philanthropic supporters.
