In Pictures

Gallery|Poverty and Development

In Pictures: Surf’s up in Haiti, dude

Not many see Haiti as tourist haven, but work is under way to attract surfers to a destination with alternative flair.

Haiti(***)s government recently doubled the tourism ministry(***)s budget and launched a campaign to attract more visitors to its beaches and other natural areas.
By Karim Haddad
Published On 23 Oct 2014

Jacmel, Haiti – The Caribbean nation of Haiti is well known for its poverty and insecurity, but although it has never been popular with travelers, some people here are riding a wave of change to make that happen.

The Haitian government has earmarked millions of dollars for the tourism sector, and there are already massive resort hotels in various stages of construction. However, there are also more humble initiatives under way that could have a major impact.

The economic situation in Haiti is bleak with most people living on just a few dollars a day. There are uncertain prospects for children, so as adults, they often aspire to leave.

The founders of Surf Haiti recognised the potential benefits a surfing programme could have for local youth. They also realised Haiti could be seen by some surfers as an attractive destination with alternative flair.

Joan Mamique took over the programme in 2013 and turned it into a small business, one he said he hopes will soon be entirely run by Haitians. Children already rent boards out, and soon they’ll be teaching lessons as well.

Beaches in the south of Haiti are among the most pristine on the island, and Jacmel is the country’s cultural capital. So it’s little wonder that the Surf Haiti project is centred there. It’s still small with few customers, but organisers say they believe that will soon change.

RELATED: Haiti surfers aim to turn tourism tide

"Surf Haiti" was launched to help empower local youth, but one of its main goals is to establish Jacmel in the south of the country as a surf-tourism destination.
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Piston Beach gets its name from the giant piece of rusty metal in the water - the catalyst for all the waves in that part of the bay.
Less than a year ago, most of these boys could not even swim. Now they catch waves with relative ease.
Even on days when the surf(***)s not up, the commitment of these new surfers is easy to see.
Getting young Haitians to compete on the international circuit would be a significant accomplishment for Surf Haiti organisers.
There are plans to take some of the students on trips to other surf destinations around the world.
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One of Surf Haiti(***)s lead organisers watches on as his proteges put their newfound surfing skills to the test.
Most world travelers don(***)t think of Haiti as a hot tourist destination, but Surf Haiti and other grassroots projects hope to change that perception.
Turning Jacmel into a surfer(***)s paradise will require much work. Across from where the waves crash into Piston Beach, the area is full of refuse.
There are plans for the boys to eventually run Surf Haiti themselves.
Joan Mamique helps run Surf Haiti. He is originally from France but has spent the better part of the last four years in Haiti.
Samosn Jules and his brothers have had their lives changed by the surf project, and they see the potential it has for the rest of their community. Surf Haiti organisers say tourists will also be drawn to the pristine scenery and setting.
Surf Haiti organizers hope that tourists will also be drawn to the scenery and settings of their program.