Stuff you should know about PIPI Pathways

Although Māori make up about 15% of New Zealand’s population, they account for 22% of the national drowning statistics. While one might view this as something unpreventable, it is not.

Lead surf coach and founder of PIPI Surf Mate, Kaylib Heke, is certain that the reason for the high Māori drowning rate is a lack of access to traditional knowledge associated with water safety—and that this problem can be solved.

Kaylib launched a surf coaching platform and teamed up with national surf champion, Daniel Kereopa (of DK Surf School) to create special programmes known as PIPI Pathways. Their purpose is to help people adopt a new approach toward water safety and learn how to be safe and confident in the ocean.

PIPI Pathways are surf programmes designed to help people develop the skills necessary to enjoy the ocean in a safe manner. The programmes also provide an opportunity for people to make friends and develop a sense of belonging in their community.

PIPI Pathways has improved the confidence of many people who've gone through the programme.

Kaylib believes that surfing doesn’t just help improve physical health—it benefits mental health, too.

Pipi Pathways have proven especially beneficial to communities identified by national statistics as being at active risk and under higher threat of drowning in New Zealand waters.

In a survey conducted after the programme, children and young people responded that PIPI Pathways helped them to be more active in the water, and to feel more engaged and confident while doing so.

As Kaylib puts it, "Surfing has taught me how to be happy within myself despite all the trauma and hardships in my life, that I can rise above it, break the cycle, and be a good man, friend, husband, and father. All it takes is a little perseverance and resilience."

He added, "Surfing is a meditative practice that may help alleviate stress, and improve mental and emotional clarity. Surfing has the ability to lift our spirits just by immersing ourselves in the ocean. I hope more people will be able to attend our next programme to learn how to experience the healing power of water's energy every day, for many days to come after the programme is over."