Mauli Ola Foundation (“Mauli Ola”), a 501c(3) non-profit organization based out of Laguna Beach, California, that supports those with genetic disorders, has landed on the Gold Coast of Australia for the first time. Mauli Ola’s advocacy reach is now making waves Down Under.

On March 2, 2015, at Snapper Rocks, during the first lay day of the 2015 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, professional surfer and Australian Mauli Ola Ambassador Nathan Hedge, World Surf League athletes, and other Mauli Ola ambassadors came together to take a group of local children with cystic fibrosis (CF) surfing as part of Mauli Ola’s Surf Experience Days.

“Spending time with these kids is really special,” said Mick Fanning, three-time world champion. “They were having the best time and it’s inspiring. We had a great turnout from the top world surfers, and the kids were absolutely ripping. Thanks to Mauli Ola for organizing such a fun afternoon.”

Mauli Ola’s Surf Experience Days get children with CF into the ocean, which is high in saline. These elevated saline levels naturally lubricate the body’s airway, which breaks up congestion in the lungs and allows it to be expelled. It is this congestion that leads to infections, countless antibiotics, and continuous hospital trips for people with CF. By taking advantage of natural saltwater therapies like surfing, those with CF can have a chance for improved lung function, better health, and an overall increased quality of life.

“I am so blown away by the first Surf Experience Day in Australia. The best surfers in the world came down to lend a hand to those who need it. Totally amazed by how much fun was had by all!” described Mauli Ola ambassador Jason “Mags” Magallanes.

On March 6, 2015, Taylor Hawkins’s (Foo Fighters) cover band Chevy Metal will play a show at Snapper Rocks. Chevy Metal is a ‘70s and ‘80s “dirt rock” cover band and features Wiley Hodgden, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), and Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters). The show will raise support and awareness for Mauli Ola Foundation.

Hans Hagen, Mauli Ola’s Executive Director, offered, "I am so humbled by the amount of athletes coming down to lend their talents to support these families living with such challenges."

ABOUT MAULI OLA FOUNDATION

Founded in 2007, Mauli Ola Foundation is dedicated to introducing surfing and ocean-based activities as natural therapies to children and young adults living with genetic diseases and cancer. To learn more about Mauli Ola Foundation, please visit www.mauliola.org.

Mauli Ola FoundationHans HagenExecutive Director949-874-3496info@mauliola.org