Hawaii Man Tackles Gambling Addiction with Free Surf Lessons

Buddy Wiggins uses his passion for surfing to help others and overcome his own struggles

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Buddy Wiggins, a 32-year-old pool cleaner from Honolulu, Hawaii, found an unconventional path to overcoming his years-long sports gambling addiction: offering free surf lessons to strangers through his initiative, the First Wave Project. This story, covered by outlets like CBS News and SURFER Magazine, highlights a growing trend of individuals leveraging their passions to navigate recovery and rebuild their lives.

Why it matters

Wiggins' story reflects a broader movement where people are choosing to confront their challenges by focusing on helping others. This approach taps into the psychological benefits of altruism, shifting the focus away from personal struggles and fostering a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The act of giving back can be profoundly therapeutic, offering a positive feedback loop that reinforces recovery.

The details

Through the First Wave Project, Wiggins and his team have already impacted around 100 people, providing not just surfing skills but also a boost in confidence. Students like Quest Douglass and Manny Fernandez have described the experience as empowering and as renewing their sense of self-assurance. Interestingly, Wiggins funds the project entirely out of pocket, despite facing financial challenges, emphasizing that the act of giving itself is the reward.

  • Wiggins started the First Wave Project in early 2026.

The players

Buddy Wiggins

A 32-year-old pool cleaner from Honolulu, Hawaii, who founded the First Wave Project to offer free surf lessons as a way to overcome his sports gambling addiction.

Quest Douglass

A student who participated in the First Wave Project and described the experience as empowering.

Manny Fernandez

A student who participated in the First Wave Project and noted a renewed sense of self-assurance he hadn't felt in decades.

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What they’re saying

“The First Wave Project has been an empowering experience for me.”

— Quest Douglass (CBS News)

“I haven't felt this sense of self-assurance in decades. The First Wave Project has been truly transformative.”

— Manny Fernandez (SURFER Magazine)

What’s next

Wiggins plans to continue offering free surf lessons through the First Wave Project, with the goal of expanding the program to reach more individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.

The takeaway

Wiggins' story demonstrates the power of leveraging one's passion and purpose to overcome personal struggles. His approach of giving back to the community through the First Wave Project highlights the therapeutic benefits of altruism and the potential for purpose-driven recovery to inspire others facing similar challenges.