Profile information
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Host rating
70 %
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Last replied
14 Aug 2024
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Feedback
9
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (2)
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Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
## Welcome to our Surf Center
This is a surf and education center in Samandağ,, on the Mediterranean coast of southern Türkiye. We believe that the sea can be much more than a place to surf: it can be a classroom, a meeting place, and a powerful way for young people to connect with themselves, their community and nature.
Since 2023, we have welcomed more than 2,000 children and young people to our programs. Our main focus is working with children between the ages of 10 and 17 through free surf education, outdoor learning, ocean literacy, teamwork and leadership programs.
What makes - special is that we don't see surfing simply as a sport. We use surfing as a tool for education and personal development. Children learn how to read the sea, take responsibility for themselves and others, work as a team, overcome challenges and build confidence. We also care deeply about children's rights, environmental awareness and creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people.
### Life
This is a lively community made up of local staff, surf coaches, educators, volunteers, young athletes, children and families. You won't just be volunteering in a project — you will become part of a community.
Our team includes surf coaches, educators, youth workers, operations staff and people responsible for child protection, communication and community development. We also work closely with local schools, families, public institutions and other organisations in this place.
Depending on your skills and interests, volunteers may help with surf activities, English practice, children's activities, environmental education, photography and video, social media, events, maintenance, gardening, cooking or other day-to-day activities around the center.
We especially appreciate people who are curious, responsible, open-minded and happy to get involved rather than simply looking for a place to stay.
### Why this place?
this place is a beautiful and unique part of the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by mountains, long beaches, the sea and a rich local culture. It is not a typical tourist destination, which is exactly what makes it interesting.
You will have the opportunity to experience everyday life in a local community, discover the coast, surf, eat delicious local food, meet interesting people and explore one of Türkiye's most culturally diverse regions.
At the same time, this place is a region that has experienced enormous challenges since the 2023 earthquake. this place grew out of this context, but our vision is much bigger: we want to build a new relationship between young people, their communities and the sea.
If you love the ocean, working with people, outdoor life, education, community projects and meaningful travel, we think you will feel at home here.
Come for the waves. Stay for the community. 🌊 -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
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Interests
Culture
Farming
Movies & TV
Self development
Sustainability
Videography
Events & social
Charity work
Plant care
Drawing & painting
Music
Writing
Performing arts
Photography
Languages
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Blogging
Art & design
Architecture
Outdoor activities
Nature
Fitness
Yoga / Wellness
Team sports
Beach
Water sports
Adventure sports -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural exchange is a big part of the experience. We believe that when people from different backgrounds come together, everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
As a Workawayer, you will have many opportunities to spend time with our team, local families, young people and the wider community. We often share meals, go surfing, spend time at the beach, organise activities and simply hang out together after work.
We can introduce you to Turkish culture, local food, life in this place, surfing in the Mediterranean and the unique cultural heritage of the region. You will also have the chance to learn about community-based education, working with young people and using sport and nature as tools for social change.
At the same time, we are genuinely curious about you. We want to hear your stories, learn about your culture, taste your food, listen to your music and discover the ways people live and think in different parts of the world.
If you have a particular skill, hobby, tradition, recipe, sport, language or creative practice, we would love for you to share it with the team and our community.
We hope that cultural exchange works both ways: you come to Samandağ to share something of yourself, and leave having learned something from us, from this place and from the people you meet here.
For us, the best cultural exchange happens naturally — around a dinner table, in the sea, on the beach, in the kitchen or during an unexpected conversation at the end of the day. 🌊 -
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
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Help
We are looking for people who would like to be an active part of our community and share their time, skills and energy with us.
The kind of help can vary depending on your interests, skills and the needs of the center. You may help us with:
* Supporting surf sessions and activities with children and young people
* Helping with games, creative activities, English practice and outdoor learning
* Supporting our ocean literacy and environmental activities
* Helping with photography, video, storytelling or social media
* Supporting events, workshops and community activities
* Helping with simple maintenance, gardening, cleaning and keeping the center welcoming
* Sharing your own skills, hobbies or knowledge with our team and young people
You don't need to be a professional surfer or an experienced teacher. What matters most to us is that you are responsible, curious, respectful and comfortable working as part of a team.
We work together, learn from each other and share skills. You may teach us something you know, while at the same time learning about surfing, Turkish culture, this place, community-based education and our way of working with young people.
Because we work with children, safety and respect are extremely important to us. Volunteers are expected to follow our child protection and safety principles and to behave as positive role models.
We also want you to enjoy your time here. There will be plenty of opportunities to surf, explore the coast, meet local people, share meals and experience life in this place, Samandağ.
We are not looking for people who simply want to complete a list of tasks. We are looking for people who want to contribute, connect and become part of something together. -
Languages
Languages spoken
Arabic: Fluent
English: Fluent
Turkish: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information. -
Accommodation
We provide shared rooms. 2 separate rooms sharing one bathroom(toilet and shower), each room has 2-4 people staying. We provide also common kitchen for you to prepare food. We have many common areas for you to rest and feel your privacy. We are located at the beach. You can use our surf gear for free and you can get free surf lessons.
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What else ...
We are not allowing smoking and drinking inside the center. But outside you can do. Drugs of any kind are strictly forbidden. Violence physical and verbal are strictly forbidden. We have quiet hours between 23.00-08.00. Guests from outside are not allowed. There are plenty of bus that goes to city center. You can come from the airport by shuttle and then taking bus.
There are walking distance many restaurants, cafes and grocery. You can enjoy the beach and surf on your free time. There is also a diving center nearby where you can get diving lessons and practices if you prefer. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
We host freelancers and digital nomads. We have good mobile connection in our accommodation and we also have a wifi with high speed unlimited quota. We don't face any electricity cuts. Since our community is mostly freelancers, digital nomads and people who are working and traveling, it is nice for nomads to come and meet with new like-minded people, get inspiration, connect and get engaged with our community.
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Space for parking camper vans
We love camper vans. In fact we organize many trips around. Especially surf, trekking and nature trips. Its an advantage for us when the volunteer has its own vehicle. We have parking spot as well.
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Can possibly accept pets
We accept pets with the responsibility of keeping the other guests volunteers comfortable and the space clean
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
She has taken care of our house when we went away. Take care of the guest all the time.
She was teaching my staff English and checking their progress.
We wish she could have stayed with us forever. She is part of family … read more
They were suppose to create content but they did not have the proper gear or expereince to provide that. Although our team spent a lot of time with them, we did not get any result which is fine but I prefer if they were honest about their lack of … read more
We were provided with accomodation and could attend the surf lessons.
Breakfast, Dinner and laundry were charged, we were not allowed to use the kitchen to cook but it was tolerated to use our gas cooker outside.
We met nice people … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(3.2)
Cultural exchange:
(3.4)
Communication:
(3.2)
She has taken care of our house when we went away. Take care of the guest all the time.
She was teaching my staff English and checking their progress.
We wish she could have stayed with us forever. She is part of family … read more
They were suppose to create content but they did not have the proper gear or expereince to provide that. Although our team spent a lot of time with them, we did not get any result which is fine but I prefer if they were honest about their lack of … read more
We were provided with accomodation and could attend the surf lessons.
Breakfast, Dinner and laundry were charged, we were not allowed to use the kitchen to cook but it was tolerated to use our gas cooker outside.
We met nice people … read more
Another big problem that caused via miscommunication was, one day … read more
He tried very hard on every task I gave. However he also overused his energy with his personal habits like extreme workout he ended up … read more
