Our Mission
The Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund exists to uplift talented young surfers in under-resourced communities by providing financial support, mentorship, equipment, coaching, and access to competitions that can transform their lives.
Through the power of the ocean, community support, and compassion, this fund opens doors for youth who deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The Heart Behind This Fund: Cheyne’s Legacy
The Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund is born from something deeply personal. It is a living tribute to my son, Cheyne, who passed away seven years ago.
Cheyne had a beautiful, tender soul — sensitive, creative, funny, and full of dreams. One of those dreams was to surf. Growing up in Colorado, he didn’t have much access to the ocean, but he kept a surfboard close like a symbol of possibility. He imagined the day he would get to live his surf dream.
That day never came — and for years, I have been searching for a meaningful way to honor his life, his light, and his dream.
When I began sponsoring a few young surfers in Colombia, it started as something small — supporting them for a single contest. But very quickly, it grew into something bigger. I could feel Cheyne’s presence guiding me, whispering, “Mom, let this be bigger.”
That’s when I realized:
This is the project my heart has been waiting for. A way to pour love back into the world in Cheyne’s name. A way to help other young dreamers achieve what he never had the chance to do. A way to transform loss into purpose, and grief into a wave that rises and carries others forward.
This fund is Cheyne’s legacy — a tribute to his spirit, his smile, his dreams — and a blessing to every young surfer whose life it touches.
How it all began
This project started in Cartagena, Colombia, while supporting two young surfers named Oscar and Chispy who wanted to enter an upcoming competition they couldn’t afford.
What began as a one-time sponsorship quickly bloomed into a long-term vision: a global community-driven initiative to uplift youth through surfing, support, mentorship, and love.
Their dedication, passion, and raw talent became the spark.
Cheyne’s spirit became the flame.
And the Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund was born.
Donate nowWhat the Fund Supports
✔️ Contest & Competition Fees
Entry fees for local, regional, and international events.
✔️ Travel Support
Flights, buses, lodging, food, and essentials so these young athletes can compete safely and fully.
✔️ Surfboards & Gear
Boards, leashes, fins, wetsuits, rash guards — everything they need to train and grow.
✔️ Coaching & Training
Funding for local instructors, beach practice time, and professional-level training support.
✔️ Nutrition & Wellness
Healthy meals, hydration, and basic needs for competition days and training seasons.
✔️ School & Life Support
Where needed: school supplies, tutoring support, uniforms, or health resources.
✔️ Mentorship & Community
Being in their lives in a consistent, caring way — cheering them on, guiding them, believing in them.
Meet our Surfers
Oscar Hernández
Three-Time National Champion • Junior World Athlete • Rising Colombian Surf Star
Oscar grew up in one of Cartagena's most vulnerable neighborhoods. At just six years old, while his mother worked on the beach, he watched the surfers every day until Howard, Chispy's father, lifted him onto his first board. Surfing became his refuge, his direction, and the spark that changed his life.
His talent was undeniable. What most kids learned in a month, Oscar picked up in a day. By seven, he won his first contest. By nine, he was competing and winning against much older boys.
During a challenging period living on the streets, Oscar found stability and mentorship with Poly, founder of Poly Surf School. Poly and his wife welcomed Oscar into their home for more than three years, helping him develop essential life skills such as reading, writing, confident communication, healthy habits, and personal discipline. Their support became the foundation that shaped both his surfing and his future.
Today, through the Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund, Poly and I continue working together to support Oscar's training, growth, and dreams.
Oscars' achievements
From the streets of Cartagena to the world stage, Oscar Hernández is a symbol of resilience, discipline, and hope—inspiring countless young surfers who see themselves in his journey.
Support Oscar
Chispy
Surfer • Surf Coach • The Spark Behind This Scholarship Fund
Jawer Andrés "El Chispy" Hurtado was raised in one of Cartagena's underserved neighborhoods, far from the ocean that would eventually shape his destiny. His grandmother worked on the beach, and the shoreline quickly became his refuge, the one place where life opened and he felt free.
His father, a legendary figure in Cartagena's surf scene, introduced surfing to the family. Through him, a wave of young Black surfers emerged—sons, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren who became some of the only Black kids in the Colombian lineup.
Chispy began surfing at three or four years old. By age ten, he won his first Open championship riding borrowed boards because his family couldn't afford one. His prize was the first surfboard he ever owned. He continued dominating through his teens and into adulthood, becoming one of the most influential surfers in Colombia and inspiring generations of young surfers, especially those who come from communities like his own.
Chispy's achievements
I met Chispy here in Cartagena, and immediately saw the kind of person he is. In the water, he uplifts everyone—little kids, new surfers, anyone who needs a word of encouragement. His positivity, humility, and genuine surf stoke make him deeply loved in the community.
Today, Chispy continues to compete in the Open category with dreams of representing Colombia internationally. He is building his surf-coaching business with dedication and heart, creating a path that allows him to support himself, rise out of hardship, and lift other young surfers with him.
This is exactly why the Soul on Fire Youth Surf Scholarship Fund was created: because Chispy embodies resilience, generosity, and the power of creating opportunity where none existed.
Support ChispySoulful Sponsorship Levels
$25 – Ripple Maker
A single ripple can turn into a wave. Supports basic training needs.
$50 – Wave Sender
Helps with local travel + small contest fees.
$100 – Dream Fueler
Covers entry to competitions and essential gear.
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$250 – Tide Riser
Supports surf equipment, coaching, and nutrition.
$500 – Sea Guardian
Provides major travel assistance or multiple contest fees.
$1,000 – Soul Surfer Champion
Sponsors an entire contest experience: travel, food, lodging, and gear.
Custom Amount – Legacy Donor
Dedicated in someone’s honor (like Cheyne) or in your own name.
Helps sustain the long-term vision of the fund.
Business & Community Partnerships
Local businesses, surf shops, restaurants, tourism companies, and independent sponsors can support through:
- Financial contributions
- Equipment donations
- Sponsorship packages
- Events & collaborations
- Logo placements on jerseys, boards, or the website
E-mail [email protected]Â if you are interested. We are happy to discuss a suitable way for you to support the Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund.
Transparency & Trust
Every donation goes directly toward supporting youth surfers. Receipts, updates, competition results, and photos will be shared periodically for full transparency and connection.
Donate nowA wave of Love
When you support the Soul on Fire Surf Scholarship Fund, you are not just helping a young surfer — you are helping shape a life. You are creating a legacy of hope, possibility, and love.
You are helping Cheyne’s light continue to ripple out into the world.
Donate to the fund