The life and values that continue to guide the Foundation.
Surfing Swami connected surfing with service, simple living, higher thinking and respect for the ocean. The Foundation carries that influence forward through practical work with young people, athletes and coastal communities.
His life. His journey. His legacy.
Born Jack Hebner in 1946 and later known as Swami Narasingha, Surfing Swami brought together surfing, spiritual practice and service throughout his life.
His journey moved from the surf community of Jacksonville Beach to a life in India, the establishment of Mantra Surf Club in Mulki, and practical work that helped create opportunities for others.
A film about a life shaped by surfing, spiritual purpose and service.
Running time available through YouTubeHis first wave
At sixteen, Jack Hebner caught his first wave on a rented board at Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He became part of Oceanside, North Florida’s early surf club.
A spiritual life in India
He began living in India, off and on, while continuing to surf and pursue a life centred on spiritual practice and service.
Mantra Surf Club, Mulki
With Rick Perry, he established Mantra Surf Club in Mulki, creating a place where surfing, teaching and daily spiritual practice could exist together.
A national structure
He helped establish the Surfing Federation of India, supporting a more organised framework for surfing and athlete development in the country.
The Foundation takes shape
He began the work of Surfing Swami Foundation in 2014. The Foundation was incorporated as a Section 8 company on 17 March 2017.
A legacy carried forward
Surfing Swami passed away on 2 January 2020. His work continues through the people, communities and organisations shaped by his teaching and example.
Use what you have received to create opportunity for others.
Give to Live is the principle behind the Foundation’s work. It is expressed through access, mentorship, ocean responsibility and the effort to build pathways that continue beyond one session or one event.
Access
Help someone enter the ocean safely, take part and begin learning.
Mentorship
Pass on knowledge, time, encouragement and practical guidance.
Ocean responsibility
Respect and protect the place that makes the work possible.
Pathways that continue
Build support that can grow beyond a single activity or event.
Values only matter when they change how the work is done.
Surfing Swami’s influence continues through practical choices: serving real needs, using resources carefully, respecting the ocean and creating opportunities that can continue over time.
See the Foundation’s WorkService
Programmes begin with a real need and a clear responsibility to the people, athletes and communities involved.
Simple living
The Foundation aims to keep its work practical, focused and responsible, without adding unnecessary complexity or promises.
Higher thinking
Surfing and paddling are connected to discipline, education, leadership, responsibility and long-term personal development.
Respect for the ocean
Ocean access is accompanied by safety, conservation, responsible participation and care for the coastal spaces where the work happens.
Creating opportunity
Access, coaching, equipment, competition and mentorship are used to help young people and athletes move towards clearer pathways.