Each year at the Waterman’s Ball, the marquee event for the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) that raises money for ocean-related environmental causes, one of the most popular auction items is a trip for two to the surfer’s paradise of Tavarua Island Resort.
This year, SIMA is adding a new twist: now anyone can buy tickets for a chance to win the trip, even if you can’t score a ticket to the exclusive Waterman’s Ball, which takes place tonight.
“We felt the Tavarua trip was an experience consumers would rally behind, and when we shared the idea with Jon Roseman and the Tavarua Island Resort team, their immediate enthusiasm confirmed we were on the right track,” SIMA Executive Director Vipe Desai told SESO. “By involving the general public, we’re reaching people who might not be able to attend the Waterman’s Ball or bid on our other experiences. This was the next best way to expand our fundraising efforts.”
The Tavarua trip has been auctioned at the Waterman’s Ball for decades, and typically sells for $10,000 to $12,000. By opening it up to more people, SIMA is hoping to raise even more money to help environmental causes this year.
The lucky winner of the Tavarua sweepstakes will receive:
- Seven nights in a beachfront bungalow for two
- Daily boat access to surf Tavarua’s iconic waves
- $2,000 towards travel
- Access to SUPs, foil gear, snorkels, and more
- All meals included
- Island boat transfers and hotel tax covered
The best part? Every entry supports the SIMA Environmental Fund and the frontline nonprofits protecting the oceans — from coral reefs to coastlines.
Entrants can get involved for as little as $25, which nets 17 entries in the sweepstakes, and as much as $2,000, which nets 4,000 entries. The last day to purchase tickets is Sept. 4 and SIMA will draw the winner on Sept 12.
“The Tavarua sweepstakes is just the start of SIMA’s broader evolution,” Desai said. “We’re creating more opportunities like this to raise funds for our environmental partners. It’s time to bring the public into our efforts, alongside retailers who’ll display in-store posters and brands helping promote the giveaway to their audiences. This is only the beginning. We have more planned for the year, and the energy around this first new initiative is already building.”
See more details about entering the sweepstakes here.
Waterman’s Ball on Tap Tonight
The Waterman’s Ball will be held today, June 13, at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, Calif.
This year’s honorees include:
- SIMA Waterperson of the Year: Caroline Marks, a World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist.
- SIMA Lifetime Achievement Award: Shaun Tomson, legendary surfer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
- SIMA Environmentalist of the Year: Surfrider Foundation, a leader in coastal protection that has worked tirelessly to keep beaches and waters clean and safe for surfers and beachgoers alike.
SESO will post complete coverage of the event next week.
Enter the Tavarua Resort sweepstakes here.
