Where Adventure meets Voluntourism

Recently I was in Lobitos, Peru for the women’s ASP tour – Movistar Peru Classic presented by Ripcurl. Last year the finals of the event was moved from Mancora because of a lack of waves. Lobitos is known for it’s consistency so it wasn’t much of a surprise in terms of wave quality.

The biggest difference is the infrastructure. Electricity, water and internet connections are staples in Mancora.   Not so much in Lobitos.  Power sources (generators), internet (satellite connections) and food were all brought in from the outside.

How can the local communities benefit from the advent of the event?  Where’s the balance between trying to source locally versus ‘making it happen’?  Do the organizers really care?  The kids do…