Otto Flores

Organizer

Bio

"From an early age, I tried many sports, but the ocean was always calling me," says Flores. Raised in Puerto Rico, he quickly became a Junior National Champion and began representing his country on the world stage. As he matured, Flores realized that he was more interested in chasing world-class waves on the roads less traveled. With his committed approach, Flores worked with well-known photographers to earn stacks of magazine covers and accolades while honing his skills in all types of surf conditions. Flores continues to clock in as much tube time as possible, representing brands and organizations that make sustainability the first priority. In 2018, he helped organize an Ocean Risk Management summit with the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group in Puerto Rico. His love of surf and environmental advocacy have merged into his current career trajectory. He’s become a high profile ambassador for not only the Patagonia brand but the designated 11th World Surfing Reserve on the Northwest Coast of Puerto Rico.

Sponsor Me

Goal$5,000

Current Amount$20

WHY SUPPORT WAVES FOR WATER?

We created Rascal’s Roundup to celebrate the rascal spirit in all of us; while using that same spirit to tackle a global issue, by supporting the work of Waves For Water. Because frankly, us modern rascals, we love our planet just as much as we love mischief. So why not create a platform to do both?

Over the past ten years, Waves For Water has implemented 155 clean water programs, in 48 countries–using water filtration systems (150,000), bore-hole wells, and rainwater harvesting systems; impacting an estimated 3,750,000 people.

The overall health benefits of access to clean water are obvious, but the ripple effect that happens when clean water is introduced into a community is profound and often overlooked. Sure, the risk of waterborne illnesses such as Cholera, Salmonella, Giardia, E. Coli, and Typhoid, is mitigated–but it also positively affects many other aspects of life.

Less money spent on medicine and clinic visits, plus less time staying home being sick, less time collecting water or the wood to boil that water, means a significant change to the socioeconomics of a community. Less sick days for children means a higher attendance in school, changing the outcome of their overall education. The list goes on: infant care, feminine hygiene, women empowerment. All of these reasons are a driving force for Waves For Water. And it is the fundamental belief that everyone deserves access to clean water, as a basic human right, that drives us all every day.