About
We envision a world where every surfer has access to state of the art knowledge on surf related diseases & injuries and surf related health benefits. Every surfer is able to rescue and resuscitate persons that are drowning and has basic knowledge on prevention of surf related diseases & injuries and health benefits.
We provide learning through our Surf Life Support online course and free Surf First Aid mobile app, offering comprehensive medical education designed specifically for the surfing community. Our curriculum covers essential topics such as water rescue techniques, emergency care, and injury prevention, empowering surfers to act quickly and confidently in crisis situations.
About Us and our biggest treasure: Our Amazing Crew
Surfing Medicine International is a non-profit organization driven by a diverse team of passionate individuals, including surfers, surf coaches, water safety professionals, rescue personnel, lifeguards, medical specialists and physiotherapists. Our specialist network spans the full spectrum of surfers’ health needs — Together, we are committed to promoting a culture of safety and preparedness within the surfing community, ensuring that surfers have the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and others.
By completing our Surf Life Support course and utilizing our free Surf First Aid app, surfers can become ambassadors in drowning prevention. A life full of surfing means being part of a community where surfers have the skills to help the next person in the line up.
WATCH A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT OUR WORK
SMI Leadership
Ingvar Berg
Dion van de Schoot
Ogi Markovic
The People of SMI
Andrew Schmidt
Markus Emmerich
Guilherme Vieira Lima
Olivier Chambres
Jeroen Seesink
Yvonne Konst
Lan Göttinger
Alex Kelleher
Hans van den Broek
Bob Verweij
NETWORK
Global & Academic Impact
SMI has worked with universities on educational events, collaborated with postgraduate programs, and partnered with surf schools and surfing federations across many countries.
At the World Drowning Prevention Conference, the organization has represented the surfing community, bringing this perspective to global safety conversations.
From Labs to Local Breaks
These connections extend from academic institutions to local surf breaks, where SMI collaborates with surf communities.
The organization has engaged with media to spread awareness about surf safety education.
An Evolving Community
This network keeps evolving as new research emerges and projects develop within the surf medicine community.
SMI has created platforms like the World Conference on Surfing Medicine where people working in this field can come together and share knowledge.
These connections remind everyone that whether paddling out at a local break or traveling to surf new waves, the surfing community looks out for each other. SMI is part of that tradition – connecting knowledge, skills, and people to make surfing safer for everyone.