June 2025

The Aloha Award announces 2025 award winner and finalists, and welcomes Chris Dodds to the team.

The Aloha Award team is honoured to announce the winner, runner-up and 3 finalists for the 2025 award.

Winner: David Arvizu for his groundbreaking work creating ocean access for people with disabilities through adaptive scuba diving with his organization Fundación PULMO (People United Achieving More Opportunities). A passionate conservationist and innovator, David is pioneering the path for wheelchair users to experience the underwater world via scuba diving safely, while leading efforts to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen coastal communities.

Runner up: Cisco Arana for his lifelong dedication to inclusive surfing and ocean education. A pioneer in adapted surf instruction, Cisco established Brazil’s first public surf school (Escola Radical Surfe) and the world’s first Adapted Surf School (Escola Publica Surfe Adaptado), helping more than 40,000 people experience the freedom and healing power of the ocean.

Finalist: Marcelo Muñoz Álvarez (a two-time finalist), founder of Surf Therapy Coquimbo, for his leadership in establishing Chile’s first surf therapy program. Through strategic partnerships, volunteer mobilization, and innovative programs, Marcelo has expanded access to therapeutic surfing for hundreds of youth in vulnerable and remote communities, promoting inclusivity, emotional well-being, and environmental stewardship.

Finalist: Valentina Pena for her inspiring work promoting psychological well-being and social inclusion as founder of surf therapy organization Te Mahatu Surfsocial, Chile. With deep compassion and unstoppable enthusiasm, Valentina and her team create safe, joyful spaces where people—many experiencing the ocean for the first time—build confidence, resilience, and community.

Finalist: Pedro Salazar for his transformative work combining surfing, education, and environmental stewardship. As founder of Fundación Amigos del Mar in Tierra Bomba, Colombia, Pedro has created programs that link surf lessons to school attendance, promote family engagement, and recycle ocean waste into practical tools. Pedro empowers children and communities to build confidence, unity, and pride while caring for their environment.

The winner of this years’ Aloha Award, David Arvizu, received a $12,000 donation to the charity or non-profit organization of his choice, a one-week, all-expenses paid trip to Namotu Island in Fiji. David has chosen to direct his cash donation toward the design and construction of specialized equipment that enables wheelchair users to access the ocean safely on his accessible dive boat.

Runner-up Cisco Arana has received a $6,000 donation towards the charity or non-profit of his choice which he directed towards the design and production of adaptive surfboards which he donated to an adaptive surf program in San Sebastian, Spain, and a one-week, all-expenses paid trip to Namotu Island in Fiji (April 2026).

Each of the 3 remaining finalists received $3,000 donation to the charity or non-profit organization of their choice. 

In addition to donations, the winner, runner-up and three finalists each receive a $2,500 stipend to either attend the International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO) conference or pay for education-related expenses (e.g., online classes) intended to help the recipient develop the capacity to scale his/her/their organization.

A farewell and a hello

The Aloha Award team farewells Jesse Richman who has contributed to the judging panel with heartfelt service since 2018. We are extremely excited to welcome Chris Dodds to the team. With a lifelong love of the ocean and a deep commitment to sharing the joy and healing power of surfing, we are stoked to have Chris’ unique experience and passion as a judge.  

We would like to extend our wholehearted appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Aloha Award to date, including our Aloha Award ambassadors, International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO), Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.®, Namotu Island Resort, Fiji Airways, WSL One Ocean, Surfline and every person who has taken the time to nominate.

Aloha!