Freedom Surf School’ In Tramore, Co. Waterford a new initiative has emerged blending elements of faith and sport in a program called the ‘Surfing Retreat’. Run by Fr Taddeo Hammerle, Youth Chaplain at Holy Family Mission in Glencomeragh, Co. Tipperary, and Mr Billy Butler, owner of Freedom Surf School, this mission aims to provide secondary school students with a unique experience that integrates faith exploration, physical activity (hikes and surfing), community building, and moments of prayerful reflection.
The ‘Surfing Retreat’ program, launched recently, targets students aged 13 to 18 (young adults’ groups on request) offering them a day out of their routines. Combining theoretical sessions on topics such as Creation Theology and practical activities such as hikes and surfing lessons, the retreat seeks to provide an experience that nurtures body and soul. The program’s flexibility allows for the incorporation of elements such as adoration, Confession, and additional activities as requested by the attenders.
Vision
The inspiration for this initiative came from Mr Butler’s desire to “infuse young people’s life with joy, wonder and a deeper connection to God through sport”. The ‘surf school’ owner also observed: “It is important for young people to find joy and wonder in God’s creation, and can find meaning and direction in their lives, while exploring who we are meant to be and growing in virtue”. I am enthusiastic about surfing and sharing the joy of Christ with the youth. As the owner of ‘Freedom Surf School’, I have been providing coastal educational programs to schools for many years. These programs combine surfing, with ecology, history, geography, Irish, and nature talks. It was time to bring God into it.”
Recognising the connection between faith and recreation, Mr Butler wrote to the bishop to share with him this idea. Bishop Cullinan had a young priest in mind, Fr Taddeo, whose background in youth ministry and enthusiasm for sports made him an ideal collaborator. Together, they envisioned a program that would evangelise through surfing. Fr Taddeo shared with us:
“Last June I was invited to go surfing for the first time with Billy Butler’s Freedom surf school in Tramore. As I am a sporty person, with previous snowboarding experience, surfing came quite naturally to me, and it didn’t take long for me to start loving surfing. I simultaneously felt the desire to use this sport for the Lord. What could be more exciting than bringing people to the Lord, with surfing thrown into the mix. Since there was a meeting of minds, he invited me to come down more often to practice surfing, and to work out how we can use this sport for the Lord. Now, not even a year later, we had our first ‘surfing retreat’.”
“This retreat uniquely blended faith, surfing, and the joy of God’s creation into one harmonious experience”
On April 30, Ardscoil na Mara’s school prayer group took part in the first ‘surf retreat’. “This unique retreat provided an opportunity to nurture minds, bodies, and souls. The students and teachers were able to experience the exhilarating sport of surfing while also exploring how God remains relevant in their lives today”, said Rachel Fleming (5th Year-Year Head of Ardscoil na Mara’s school).
“The majestic setting of Tramore Bay”, continues Ms Fleming, “proved to be an ideal location for students to learn to surf and delve into deeper questions surrounding life and faith. An engaging talk on God’s creation was delivered by Fr Taddeo enriching the retreat’s spiritual aspect. As a Christian ethos school, Ardscoil na Mara is committed to the moral and spiritual formation of its students, so that, as discerning adults, they may participate in life to the full. This retreat uniquely blended faith, surfing, and the joy of God’s creation into one harmonious experience. Students relished the diverse team faith challenges, particularly the beach hike, where they could share personal stories of God’s influence in their lives. The retreat also provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their beliefs, find spiritual support among their peers, and enjoy the fun of surfing amidst the stunning backdrop of Tramore Bay.”
Challenge
The main challenge faced by the organisers was not as much on the message reception from the youth but finding a balance between spiritual enrichment, ‘giving glory to God’, and ‘having a good time’. “Not to be too strict nor too easy-going. To put God at the centre and still have a good time. And to understand how to do that. To bring God to the world and not the opposite”. Fr Taddeo and Mr Butler emphasise the importance of placing God at the center of this experience while allowing the students to truly engage with their faith in a free environment.
“I want to show them that you can be normal and be catholic at the same time. That they can bring God to the ‘normality’ of their lives”
Inspired by St John Paul II, who, before becoming the supreme pontiff used to bring his students to camping and hiking events, Fr Hammerle tells us: “These are the moments where he (St John Paul II) spoke to his students about God, and he brought them closer to him. By having a good time in nature. I want to show them that you can be normal and be Catholic at the same time. That they can bring God to the ‘normality’ of their lives”.
Success
The first retreat was a success, receiving Fr Taddeo’s “high praise, with many students noting how inspiring and relevant they found his words”, said Rachel Fleming. Ms Fleming added: “Several described the retreat as the best day they’d had in a long time, appreciating the sense of unity and purpose it fostered. Freedom Surf School provided tea, coffee, and snacks upon arrival, as well as comprehensive surf instruction, equipment, and practical demonstrations. This organisation allowed students to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Fr Taddeo and Mr Butler ensured that it successfully united faith, fun, and nature, and we look forward to returning for another retreat at the earliest opportunity”.
“Please God this venture will bring many young people to the Lord while enjoying being immersed in the wonderful surf, catechesis, and camaraderie”
Whilst this initiative has recently started, Fr Taddeo and Mr Butler agree that the way it is developing is ‘providential’. “Please God this venture will bring many young people to the Lord while enjoying being immersed in the wonderful surf, catechesis, and camaraderie”, Mr Butler said.