Support Surfers In Social Risk Santa Teresa STEZ

Hello everyone, my name is Aaron Henkel, and this is a shoutout to everyone who is passionate about the surf industry. I am a 21 year old young surfer, MC, beach announcer, sport broadcaster and analyst in surfing events.

I had a dream when younger of being a professional surfer like all of these upcoming athletes that I support with my non profit foundation, Santa Teresa Air Show.

I did not have the platforms to keep supporting my surfing career when younger and that was my main vision when creating the “airshow”. Giving a platform to these local kids on a weekly basis, so they can stay focused and fund their travels, equipment and expenses that come with visiting surf contests in different towns around Costa Rica.

For that, I am asking for your help, The Santa Teresa surf community needs your help.

For over 3 years, we have organized the airshow every Monday to support surfers of all different age groups in social risk, for children of 10 years and older, paving their way off the streets and teaching them respect, kindness, and professional athletic courtesy. Also we provide a free Air Show to all the tourists that visit our community and want to see elite level surfing all packed up in 100 mts of beach area. Lots of fun and lots of smiles! If you have been to one of our shows, you know what I’m talking about!

STEZ (Santa Teresa Expression Session) wants to spread its wings and continue to organize this event.

As a previously self supporting organization, we have always collected the prize money for the contest (average of $250 weekly x 52 weeks per year = $14.250 in prizes) from different micro/local business, (like restaurants, hotels, supermarkets etc…) in our community that they, themselves profit from the thousands of surfers that visit our beautiful beaches to ride world class waves.

Many of these small and medium business have been devastated by the COVID economical crisis and are trying to build back up their cash flow and get up to date in the debts that this crisis left them with. In order for them to recuperate from the horrendous losses due to Covid, right now the publicity and marketing donations they have made to us in the past, are non existent.

Our vision for the 2021/2022 season is starting early December with a weekly contest in North Santa Teresa that gives $350 to four different categories; Best Air $140, Best Combo $80, Best Power Turn $80 and Under 16 yrs of age $50. We also hope to give away basic surfing equipment to competitors as well. Permits are in process and we hope to have everything in order for early September 2021.

Below is our Business Plan/Budget for 2021/2022:

42 weeks x $350 = $18.200 Dec 4, 2021 to Sept 10 2022 and includes 2 Santa Teresa Surf Classic tournaments

Audio Equipment, Camera Equipment, Cables, a Generator, technological equipment (computer, tablet, digital scoring system ) horns, flags and banners, etc $7000

The new organization, STEZ, is going to employ three local Judges, a Referee, a commentator/MC, a DJ, an accountant, Emergency Response Team, a Social Media Manager and a Marketing Specialist. All Costa Rican laws and benefits will be applied.

They will be employed on a part time basis. Half of the money to pay these employees will be collected from inscriptions to the contest and the sale of non alcoholic beverages and food on site. We are asking for your help with this initial investment to support our first three months while the organization gets a cash flow going and our feet on the ground. Three Months Employee Payroll - $3,500.00 International Professional Marketing Team $2,500.00 Six Months

Annual Permit & Fees $4,000.00

Contest Prizes (leashes, fins, wax, rash guards, etc) $2500

Opening Day Event/Fundraiser and get exposure to new donations $3000

A mobile stage, Sanitary facilities and hand washing stations, etc $4000

Vehicle for transporting team and equipment $6000 (second hand pickup)

If you took the time to read this, I thank you for your interest. If you have an interest in donating, even better! If you know someone who would be interested please inform them of my project that will help keep the new generation of surfers in Santa Teresa on the right track! We miss the smiles at the beach and want to get the Air Shows going again!