Andrew Carruthers

I have been Chaplain to the ASP (Association of Surfing professionals) World longboard Tour for 5 years. this is a unique, exciting and challenging role. The surfing is great to watch but its the surfers who have captivated me. These dedicated people travel from all over the world to compete at various events. All seeking to attain the title of world champion. Longboard surfing doesn't get 1/10th of the money of the short board pro tour so all of these surfers are working jobs and trying to raise or have families. They range in age from late teens 17 - 47. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds. 

They are just trying to do what they love with the gift they have been given, this can bring the stresses and stains that we all experience in life but when your constantly travelling and away from normal support structures you need some one to be there for you. This is my role as Chaplain I am an independent person, not a sponsor not an official, my sole purpose is the pastoral care of each and every surfer and tour official. Which has me serving the surfing community in a way that encourages and connects peoples spiritual emotional and community needs. I marry, bury and hang out with the great tribe of pro longboard surfers. I recognise their value as individual people and unique creations of God aside from their surfing ability and regardless of their faith or affiliations.

Chaplaincy is a voluntary service funded by donation...

Sean McKeown    (Event Director Australian Longboard Surfing Open)

"For most surfers, surfing is a spiritual experience with the surf and nature being our church. We have been fortunate over the years to have had some direction within this experience by Andrew Carruthers, the ASP Longboard Chaplin." 

" Andrew has been an important part of our event over the last six years, offering support to the organisers, the competitors and to the spectators. We value Andrews involvement in the Australian Longboard Surfing Open and indeed with the work that he does within our community in general."

Kristen     (Pro Surfers mum)

"Andrew is always there for the surfers. He keeps his finger on the pulse of each event and makes himself available to whoever needs him at any given time...... I do not know of anyone who comes across Andrew in his role as Chaplain who doesn’t respect who he is and the faith he bears witness to." 

 

This funding will be used to assist with travel to the World Longboard Titles which will be held in Oct / Nov 2014. This years event will be in Hainan Island China. The funding is for Airfares, transfers, accommodation etc. 

* Airfares                                         $1600
* Accommodation                                    $ 700
* Travel Costs (Visa & shots )                  $ 200

$2,500

The challenges I face are the uncertainty of the dates of the event itself, they are still unknown.

The ongoing funding of Chaplaincy.