Surfers Joan Duru and Maud Le Car have traveled the Atlantic coast for solidarity purposes.
“There are more and more people who care about the environment and are aware of the problems of plastic pollution in the ocean which, unfortunately, is growing. But I think that there is hope if we act together and we raise awareness about how to act to preserve our environment.” That's how resounding it shows Maud Le Car, surfer, painter and activist who has recently created an association for the protection of the oceans called Save La Mermaid. His goal of her? Put on the table concrete solutions against plastic pollution in the oceans and teach how to enjoy beauty that the sea offers us.
“I always say the same thing: we can all find a way to take care of the water: pick up rubbish from the coast, wear clothes from long-lasting brands as is the case with Dockers or other firms or, simply, reduce water waste at home. The positive impact it can be everywhere,” says this athlete born on the small Caribbean island of Saint Martin.
Surfers Maud Le Car and Joan Duru.
Precisely, and together with fellow surfer and activist Joan Duru (also his partner), Maud is the new ambassador for Dockers. Both star in the “Love Water More” campaign, whose objective is to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of water. This initiative has taken them on a road trip along the Atlantic coast, from France to Spain, in which they have enlisted the help of other fellow surfers. They are all putting their support on record. signing a surfboard with a message of hope and optimism.
The board will be auctioned and the proceeds will be donated to Waves For Water, a non-profit organization that helps correct the imbalances caused by water scarcity in developing communities, founded by professional surfer Jon Rose. To date, it is estimated that the NGO, which coordinated international disaster relief efforts, provided access to clean water for approximately 3.75 million people all over the world.
With the surfboard that will be auctioned off for charity.
“I have always been passionate about the ocean and I feel connected to nature since I was very young. That is why I created an environmental association”, Maud tells us. This NGO that fights for the protection of the oceans brings together a community of sea lovers who, through responsible attitudes towards the environment in their day to day, inspire a change of mentality.
"A year ago, we organize beach cleanup activities to raise awareness about plastic pollution and how we can make a difference for our ocean and environment. For example, on June 8 we did a beach cleanup with the support of Dockers, in Hossegor. That is why we love being ambassadors of this firm, because it is not about placing a logo or making beautiful images. They are really committed to protecting the water.”
As well as a surfer and environmental activist, Maud is an artist.
SURFERS 'ON THE ROAD'
For his part, Joan Duru is one of the best surfers of her generation, as well as a committed activist. “Since I was a child I have cared for the environment. I have always loved surfing in the oceans, the forest… this It motivates me to protect what gives me the most joy”, explains this athlete, who learned to surf with his father at the age of 7 and whose life, since then, has revolved around surfing. Surfing around the world has allowed him to see with his own eyes the destructive impact of pollution on the oceans and how important and necessary it is to take action.
About this project with Dockers he tells us: “The road trip was so much fun that we didn't really have many challenges. We loved meeting people along the way and the scenery was fantastic.” “With Dockers we share the same values and vision about caring for the planet and the oceans, so we fit right in. We are very excited and honored with this partnership because it can help raise awareness about the need to conserve water. We are sure that together we will achieve great things!”
It is not the first collaboration of this nature of the pants firm, which recently launched a similar one with the Basque surfer, traveler and activist Kepa Acero, a challenge facing provide clean drinking water to communities around the world.
of your fellow traveler Maud praises adaptability, while he values her organizational skills. Joan, who was born in Bayonne and now lives in Seignosse, tells us that the three most special places for her in the area where she grew up are “La Graviere –"my favorite surf spot, where I have great memories"–, the forest –"I love mountain biking, it's a magical place, where I spent most of my childhood playing with my cousins" – and Le Café de Paris, her favorite place to relax with friends in the center of Hossegor.
Oyster Pond, on the island of St Martin, in the Caribbean.
ART BORN IN THE CARIBBEAN
Now Maud also lives, like Joan, in Seignosse, in the south-west of France. “I moved from my island when I was 16 years old to compete in Europe. It's easier to travel from France than from there, and the South West of France is an amazing place to train. The regularity and quality of the waves is perfect to progress, and I love the landscape between the forest and the dunes”.
However, her childhood memories of her are her true treasures. "I had the best childhood in the world, growing up on an island is incredible," she recalls Maud. I remember being barefoot all the time and spending the day at the beach or in nature. The culture is unique in Saint Martin… I grew up speaking three languages and I think living in a mixed culture really helps to open your mind. and build your character.
We ask her to reveal to us the three favorite sites of hers there: “Wilderness, which is my favorite place to surf; it's wild and not accessible by car, great for recharging your batteries,” she begins. “Oysterpond, which is my town, where I grew up and where my whole family lives –continues–. And Pic Paradise, is the highest point on the island. Walking there is wonderful and you can see the island in 360 degrees, it is so beautiful...".