Through surfing, NGO connects the sea to social transformation on the South Coast of Pernambuco

Credit: Disclosure

By: Kauana Portugal – Lupa do Bem / Favela em Pauta

It was during a “conversation with the sea” that Nuala Costa, surfer, mother and activist, decided to create the social project TPM – All for the Sea, a feminist and anti-racist movement aimed at social transformation of children and adolescents.

The year was 2016 and the athlete from Rio de Janeiro, raised in Maracaípe (PE), was already bothered by the social barriers imposed on youth on the beach on the south coast of Pernambuco. At that time, Nuala was still the only black surfer on the scene considered one of the Brazilian paradises for the sport.

Maracaípe Bay, which is next to Porto de Galinhas, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Northeast region. Today, when arriving in the small village, it is difficult not to find girls and boys with a surfboard in hand, heading towards the beach. With the encouragement of All to the Sea, 80 young people participate in activities that include not only surf lessons, but also tutoring and language teaching.

“There were no black children in the water. There is a very large apartheid here. The natives are pushed into the mangroves. Drug trafficking pushes into the mangroves. When TPM came along, I realized that the problem wasn’t just surfing. It was the city”, explains the founder of the NGO.

Nuala is the first woman to professionally represent the state of Pernambuco in national surfing championships and one of the first black athletes in the country. The mangrove, mentioned by her, is where part of the approximately 800 native families live, who carry out activities related to shellfish fishing.

Social causes as a transformation tool

The entity, designed to insert black girls and women into the world of surfing, has become a platform of social impact that also welcomes the mothers of the girls and boys assisted by the project.

For these mothers, technical courses and a craft fair are offered. Every fortnight, there is also a cinema session in the community. Workshops and commemorative events at the organization’s headquarters are not uncommon, in addition to actions aimed at combating food insecurity. During the pandemic, more than 3 thousand basic baskets were donated by the NGO.

With a trajectory marked by a constant commitment to social justice, Nuala guarantees to know each of the young people who have already been through the project.

The activist, who is a lesbian, has drawn attention to the importance of fighting racism, LGBTphobia and sexism at a young age, bringing awareness and acceptance to the younger ones. “Here they are free to be who they are,” she says.

“In my PMS I look for the sea. It all comes at once”

Created from a social project, Nuala started surfing professionally at age 16. Despite occupying a prominent position in competitions, the lack of sponsorship combined with racism, elitism and sexism present in the sport led the athlete to leave the country, to accompany family members who already lived in European countries.

With a long period of dedication to the sport, she returned to Pernambuco after 15 years. That’s when the surfer’s waters flowed into Maracaípe again, and gave rise to the All to the Sea project.

The closer to the sea, the further away from drugs

What the advertisements don’t show about the South Coast of Pernambuco are the crime rates that are growing at an alarming rate. With the advance of drug trafficking, the importance of offering education, culture and leisure became even more necessary to keep the peripheral youth close to their power.

In six years of the project, All to the Sea has already welcomed and seen the development of around 200 young people. Of these, four were co-opted for the crime. In the battle against drug trafficking, winning means keeping teenagers close to the sea and away from drugs.

“Instead of investing in critical, basic education, the investment comes in the form of weapons, in police”, complains Nuala.

In March of this year, a six-year-old child was shot in the chest while playing in front of his house, in a community next to Maracaípe beach. Months later, the Pernambuco Civil Police investigation concluded that the bullet was fired by a police officer from the Special Operations Battalion (BOPE), but so far no one has been held accountable.

In addition, real estate speculation, another symptom of inequality, drives the natives away from the seaside, where most of the financial movement takes place. “Tourism passes through the door of the community and does not see the people. The natives have underemployment,” he comments.

As a result, capital revolves around white businessmen, for the most part. Changing into kids, the money doesn’t stay in Maracaípe. “Predatory tourism gives us the rest”, concludes Nuala.

The future of TPM – All to the Sea depends on us

Activities at the NGO’s headquarters are possible thanks to the efforts of 30 volunteers. Of these, six make up the board alongside founder Nuala Costa. Alynes, Ligias, Stellas, Julianas, Michelines, Marias and Alexandras are responsible for maintaining the house where the project operates every day, from 7 am to 7 pm, with surfboards available to participants.

The future of the organization, for Nuala, is on the side of sport, education and the realization of rights. “I wish we could have peace of mind, financial sustainability and dignity.The police passing by to protect us, without the fear of marginalization. The favela is not marginal. It’s a rush,” he says. Seeing young people at university, with guaranteed access and permanence, is the next goal of All to the Sea.

How to support TPM

To keep changing lives, the NGO needs help. Without fixed sponsorships or help from public entities, the project works thanks to the solidarity of donors.

It is possible to contribute financially, with material for surfing, food or clothes. Be a monthly donor and “embrace TPM” through PIX: 55590000 (CNPJ). Also follow the project through Instagram. 

All to the Sea’s headquarters are located at Rua Epitácio Chalaça, number 30, Baía de Maracaípe – Ipojuca, PE.