‘Provide The Slide’ Is Collecting Unwanted Surfboards in Southwest France

A cynic might say Simon Mendoza and Chris Klein — founders of Provide The Slide — are doing it for a lifetime of set waves at Liberia’s prime left points.

A skeptic could argue they’re enjoying their fair share. But beyond that, they’re unveiling a treasure to the local youth — one that could profoundly shape the course of their lives. For the better, we hope.

The pair founded the NGO in 2019 after a trip to Liberia, where they realized the local surf community faced a severe shortage of equipment.

Based in Switzerland and Germany, PTS collects unused or damaged surfboards from Europe, repairs them, and donates them to surfers in West Africa. Surfboards, leashes, and wax are provided as complete sets to promote surfing in regions where access to such gear is limited.

Beyond simply donating equipment, PTS aids local communities by fostering self-sufficiency and skill-sharing, which can range from board repair techniques to guidance in outlining alternative economic possibilities, and ultimately, giving visibility to African surfing.

From today, through October 1st, PTS will be collecting donations along Southwest France, which include bucket list locations such as Lacanau, Biarritz, and Hossegor, home to the raunchiest and most entertaining surf contest of this day and age. What an opportunity to repay karmic debt!

And, despite what Great Britain’s #1 surf journalist believes, it’s a wonderful part of the world during a time of the year you’ll regret missing out on. Take the trip, and unload those boards you’re too fat to ride anyway. 

You might just live to see the day an African world champ is crowned, thanking their parents, coach, sponsors, Provide The Slide, and of course, Jürgen from Wuppertal for that Firewire Sci-Fi 2.0.