Make waves for change
Using water sports as a bridge to sustainable living and community growth.
Water sports aren’t just about adventure, they’re a powerful tool for education, environmental awareness, and community building. SUSTAIN-A-WAVE brings together water sport clubs, educators, and local communities to turn lakes, rivers, and coastlines into dynamic learning spaces for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Through training, collaboration, and real-world projects, we empower individuals to connect with nature, embrace sustainable practices, and create lasting change.
Why SUSTAIN-A-WAVE?
At SUSTAIN-A-WAVE, we believe in action-driven learning that makes sustainability engaging, and accessible. Our motivation stems from:
- Responding to Environmental Urgency: Addressing climate change through real-world education.
- Leveraging the Power of Water Sports: Using sports as a tool for environmental awareness and stewardship.
- Filling Gaps in Traditional Education: Providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
- Fostering Behavioural Change: Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
- Bridging Water Sports & Adult Education: Creating new opportunities for collaboration and learning.
- Strengthening Communities: Building connections through shared environmental responsibility.
- Advancing Global Goals: Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education and action.
Our Objectives
- Build Capacity in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate sustainability education into water sports.
- Promote Sustainability Through Water Sports: Use sports like rowing, kayaking, and sailing as immersive learning experiences that connect people with nature.
- Establish Collaborative Networks: Strengthen partnerships between water sport clubs, educators, and environmental organisations to foster long-term impact.
- Enhance Environmental Awareness: Inspire individuals and communities to adopt greener practices and take action for a sustainable future.
What We Do
To achieve these goals, SUSTAIN-A-WAVE implements a range of activities and initiatives:
- Equip water sport club staff and adult educators with the skills to use water sports as innovative learning spaces for ESD
- Integrate water sports as dynamic platforms for teaching environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
- Create partnerships between water sport clubs and adult education organisations for knowledge sharing and joint initiatives
- Foster deeper understanding of environmental issues and sustainability within local communities
Our Expected Results
By the end of the project, we aim to create tangible resources and impact:
- Online Inventory of Good Practice examples on using water sports for ESD
- A competence framework for trainers and facilitators to integrate ESD into water sports
- Continuous Professional Development concept and face-to-face training for water sport professionals and adult educators
- Implementation of practical projects at partner locations
- Sharing results and best practices across Europe to inspire widespread adoption
Who’s ready to ride the Wave of Sustainability?
Are you curious about how water sports can become powerful tools for environmental education and community development?
Find out if SUSTAIN-A-WAVE is for you:
Water Sport Club Staff & Professionals
Are you an instructor, coach, or administrative professional at a water sport club? This project offers you cutting-edge tools and training to incorporate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into your daily activities, turning your club into a hub for sustainability education.
Adult Educators
Are you a trainer, facilitator, or educator in adult learning? Discover how to use water sports as an innovative platform to promote environmental stewardship and enrich your educational programs with sustainability-focused content.
Adult Learners
Are you passionate about water sports or environmental sustainability? Whether you’re a club member, recreational enthusiast, or local resident, this project opens doors to engaging, informal learning opportunities that combine action with awareness.
Local Communities
Do you live near water sport facilities or care about fostering sustainability in your community? Join us in promoting environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and stronger community bonds through water sports activities.