TPF Newsletter #2 August 2026

Aloha Foundation Family,

The Tamayo Perry Foundation officially launched in March 2026, and we have been busy! What began with public awareness and fundraising initiatives (always fun, Tamayo style) culminated in our first community outreach programs in support of youth swim instruction, and ocean skills and awareness.

Here are a few updates on Foundation events and activities over the summer…  

SURFILMUSIC – The Film

The Foundation was fortunate to host a booth at the May 14-15, 2026 hometown premier of board member Jack Johnson’s new documentary SURFILMUSIC. Tamayo and Jack grew up together, surfing and eventually traveling the world, and the film showcases their early years on the North Shore and beyond. It’s a moving tribute to surfing, friendship, and the power of staying true to a vision. Visit jackjohnsonmusic.com for more information on screening dates of this film. 

Tamayo Perry Birthday + Lifeguard Celebration

On May 17, 2026, the Foundation held a belated birthday celebration for Tamayo honoring North Shore lifeguards at the Center for Radical Education and Surf Museum in Wailua. Participants enjoyed surf films, music from The New Salts and 808 Imposters and food from Jerry’s Pizza and Venison Burgers byFoxxFarms. Originally planned for Tamayo’s birthday on April 15, the event was postponed due to the catastrophic damages from back-to-back Kona low storm events that impacted the North Shore community. In light of this, proceeds from the sales of Foundation merchandise and donated photos and artwork aised over $3,000 which was distributed equally to three for North Shore lifeguards who were directly impacted by the storm. Artists and photographers who donated their time and talents include Sean Davy, Mike Ito, John Hook, Kalani Minihan, Shane Grace, and TPF board member Christa Funk. 

WaterGrom Sponsorship

In June 2026, the Foundation sponsored 2 children whose homes were impacted by the storm events in March and April to participate in WaterGroms Breath Control and Ocean Confidence Course. This one day course, for kids 9-13 years of age teaches basic freediving and breath control techniques that increase comfort and confidence in the water. The course also covers basic, everyday breathing techniques that help manage stress, increase athletic performance and improve life in general. 

Moving with The Tide – Hawaii Luxury Magazine

In June, Hawaii Luxury Magazine featured a story of Tamayo Perry and the Tamayo Perry Foundation. Emilia was interviewed and did a fantastic job articulating Tamayo’s legacy and the mission of the foundation. Nice job, Emilia!

Honolulu Ocean Safety Department’s Junior Lifeguard Program

In June and July, the Tamayo Perry Foundation partnered with the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department, Junior Lifeguard Program, to introduce the Tamayo Perry Awards. Junior Lifeguards is a beloved program which each summer teaches hundreds of Hawaii children valuable lifesaving skills, including knowledge about ocean conditions, rescue techniques, CPR, physical fitness, and teamwork. Over the course of 8 weeks and at 16 locations across Oahu, the Foundation offered seven awards at each location (112 total awards) to participants that embodied the characteristics and values of Tamayo Perry. At each location, lifeguard trainers evaluated participants over the week-long training program and selected one individual for each of the following awards:

• The Politeness Ninja Award (for kindness)
• The Pirate Award (for presence, creativity and star power)
• The Leopard Spot Award (for unapologetic individuality and self-expression)
• The Little Things that Matter Award (for attention to detail)
• The Epic Eastsider Award (for pride with heart and hustle)
• The Selflessness Award (for putting others first) and
• The Challenge Award (for grit, endurance, and ocean proficiency) 

The awards offer an opportunity to recognize junior guards not just for their physical performance but for character and integrity. Special thanks to the Honolulu City and County Department of Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager, Operations Chief Adam Lerner (both TPF members), Jr. Lifeguard Program Coordinator Shannon Tuninei, and the entire Ocean Safety ohana for their support.

Tamayo Perry Foundation Swim Education Pilot Program

From July 21-31, 2026, the Foundation partnered with Palekana Aquatic Academy to offer free swim education for 13 children ages 6-11 from the Ko‘olauloa community at the Asia Pacific International School in Hau‘ula.

Over the course of six lessons, the participants learned a variety of aquatic safety and swimming skills to build their aquatic confidence and help them be safer in, on, and around the water. It was a very successful pilot! Building on this success, the Foundation is planning additional swim education programs for the Windward side in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Oahu Junior Lifeguard Championships

To cap off a summer of junior lifeguard madness, on August 2, 2026 the Foundation supported the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department, Oahu Junior Lifeguard Championship by providing awards to the best male and the best female performer in the Iron Guard event. The Iron Guard brings together the best Junior Lifeguards ages 11-17 from around Oahu to participate in a number of challenge events that demonstrate their water and lifesaving skills and competencies. Competitors run to the 250-meter flag and back, then swim 200-meters. After exiting the water, competitors retrieve a rescue board and paddle out 200 meters and then 200-meters back to shore. It’s a killer. Congratulations to Spike Jones Stedman and Elianna Schiffer on their wins!

State Junior Lifeguard Championships

On August 8, 2026, the Foundation supported the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department, State Junior Lifeguard Championship. The event brings together the best Junior Lifeguards ages 11-17 from across the State to participate in a number of challenge events that demonstrate their water and lifesaving skills and competencies. The Foundation awarded the Tamayo Perry Award to the best male and best female performer who competed with humility and sportsmanship. Congratulations Spike Jones Stedman, and Kahelelani Brede on their wins!

Stay Connected

Follow @tamayoperryfoundation on Instagram for photos and videos from the events and activities above and updates on everything ahead.

If you want to get more involved in any way, whether it be volunteering, fundraising or lending your skills, please contact us. We would love to hear from you!

If you’d like to donate or set-up a monthly donation, click here. Every donation counts.