In the coastal community of La Capuera, Uruguay, many children grow up just steps from the ocean but with little chance to enjoy it. Boats and boards are expensive, safe training is rare, and opportunities are limited.

That’s why Viento en Popa, a grassroots nonprofit founded in 2020, exists: to open the lagoon and the sea to every child, free of charge. Through sailing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, and swimming, kids ages 8 to 18 learn far more than just sports — they discover discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, problem-solving, and resilience.

Since launching, more than 1,500 children have taken part. Many had never been on a boat or in the ocean before. Today, they are confident sailors, surfers, and above all, young leaders in their community.

Why We Need Your Help

Viento en Popa is 100% nonprofit. Classes are free, and no child is turned away. But to keep boats on the water and boards on the waves, we need steady support.

Your donation will:

💙 Cover stipends for qualified instructors so programs can continue all year.
⛵ Repair and maintain boats, kayaks, and surfboards.
🦺 Provide life jackets and safety gear for new students.
🌍 Expand outreach to even more kids who otherwise would never get this chance.

Without consistent funding, too many programs depend only on volunteers — leaving the future uncertain. Together, we can change that.

Our Goal

We aim to raise $12,000 to sustain Viento en Popa’s program for the next year months.

$50 → Covers one child’s classes for a month
$100 → Repairs sails, boards, or kayaks
$250 → Sponsors a group session with 10 students
$500 → Pays an instructor for an entire month

Every gift, big or small, keeps the wind in their sails.

Impact

80+ children attending weekly lessons in La Capuera
Free access for all, no prior skills or swimming experience required
Safe, positive mentorship in a community where kids need it most
Youth becoming role models in their families and schools

Viento En Popa

By Make Them Sailors

Viento En Popa

Give Wind to Young Lives — Support Viento en Popa in Uruguay

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