Everyone has a story. Red Bull sponsored big wave surfer, Ramon Navarro, is no different. Growing up on the Chilean coast has its benefits of big waves and beautiful waters; the thirty five year old holds a special place in his heart for his hometown. Ramon has a book coming out this summer, as well as a movie that premiered this past week called The Fisherman’s Son: The Spirit of Ramon Navarro. Growing up with a father who was a fisherman provided Navarro with the fishing culture on the coast of Punta de Lobos. Today, those waters are facing major threats by industrialists. Patagoina has teamed up with Save the Waves Coalition, a non-profit, to educate and bring awareness to these threats.
Save the Waves Coalition has a huge presence among domestic and international waters, in which, they promote awareness to issues concerning marine habitats. Punta de Lobos, Chile is one of the world’s surfing reserves. Other locations include Malibu, Santa Cruz, Baha and regions within Peru, Australia and Portugal. Ramon’s book and movie have given rise to Twitter accounts like @SaveTheWaves and campaigns like #LobosPorSiempre.
The ultimate goal is for the non-profits to raise enough money to by land rights to Punta de Lobos, ‘the point’. Right now they are at roughly $10,000. The vision? To protect the marine life that the rich Chilean currents bring in, animals such as sea turtles, sea lions, penguins and an array of whale species. Navarro is on a mission to preserve his fishing village that provided his father and many others with jobs, and Red Bull has showed great support. This illustrates reputational capital; aligning your brand with others such as Patagonia to support your athletes and their goals outside of sport. Check the website out here >
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