Support Rosaura's Journey to the ISA Masters Championships!

Hola!

My name is Coach Rhonda Harper. I help assist women and girls on their journey to professional surfing through Black Girls Surf (BGS). BGS is a nonprofit, high-performance surf program for girls and women.

There are women surfers across the globe who are unable to access valuable resources needed to compete internationally. This is where BGS is most needed.

We use our platform to give unknown girls/women surfers of the diaspora the exposure needed to reach brands and donors. Every year, we award a scholarship to two young adults.

Having said this, please allow me to introduce National Women's Masters Champion, Rosaura Alvarez from Venezuela.

I first met Rosaura Alvarez in 2006 at Huntington Beach. She was 23 years of age, competing for Venezuela at the International Surfing Association championships. After walking through the tent area, I noticed a Black female sitting with her team in a wetsuit. I immediately requested an interpreter to interview her.

I would go on to follow her journey as she rose to national champion. Rosaura has represented her country for two decades and continues to train and educate the next generation of surfers.

In the summer of 2024, she was once again invited to represent her country at the ISA World Masters in El Salvador. She is ready and on fire for this event.

I asked her spouse, Eric Mesa, what describes her best:

For me as a husband, life partner, and father of Rosaura's children, it is a great pride to see her grow in her sports career. That my wife's heart is happy doing the sport she loves also makes my heart happy. My support for Rosaura is unconditional because I LOVE HER.

For us as a family, it is a sacrifice when she goes to surfing competitions and we cannot accompany her due to lack of resources. For our children, it is still emotionally difficult when their mother temporarily leaves to attend international competitions, but then we see with pride and admiration her participation from a distance. She is a great example of overcoming, discipline, perseverance, and struggle for our children, and that in these times is pure gold. When Rosaura goes to international competitions, I lovingly assume the role of father and mother at the same time. I take care of everything so that Rosaura travels and is spiritually calm. We are a surfing family, and we live surfing with passion, dedication, and commitment.

I would like to have more resources to support Rosaura with everything she needs, but unfortunately, I do not have them at the moment.

As you well know, our country is going through a difficult economic and political situation that we deal with every day in order to survive and educate our children.

In the midst of this country situation, Rosaura's example for us goes beyond being an excellent athlete who fights for her goals. She is the example of a great woman, mother, and wife, selfless, with a positive mentality and a Champion in life to overcome every obstacle together and for the well-being of her family. Rosaura loves to compete, but I am sure that she loves even more the example that she transmits to her children and to the new generations. She passionately pursues her dreams and goals and maintains her unwavering faith in victory. I am sure that she will achieve triumph in the world master surfing championship. I wish I could do more to support Rosaura.

As you can see from news reports, Venezuelans are having a difficult time both financially and politically. Rosaura's dedication to the sport of surfing and representing her country in these difficult times is not easy. We are asking for YOUR help getting her to El Salvador.

Your generosity is much needed. Rosaura needs the following:

1. Round trip ticket to El Salvador - $1,196.63

2. Funds for accommodations and food - $600

3. Transportation funds - $80.00