REAL Watersports and the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational present $66,872.73 to Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund on Friday, October 19, 2018
Waves, North Carolina, October 19, 2018: Today at 3pm, REAL Watersports Co-Founder Trip Forman presented the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund Board of Directors with a check for the money raised during the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational. This year’s award was given in memory of Asa Gray, a neighbor and long-time supporter of REAL Watersports and the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitation. REAL chose to make this year’s donation in his memory to recognize Asa’s dedication to his children’s education and athletics.
“There is a misconception that the success of your child’s education is based solely on your child and the school. When you look at the kids who are doing well in school, there is often a great family support network behind them. Asa was very involved in his children’s education and athletics. He was a shining example of what parents can add to the equation.” – Trip Forman, Co-Founder, REAL Watersports
The Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational was held June 2-8, 2018. This year is the third year HIYEF has been the recipient of the fundraising efforts. In 2016, REAL raised $13,262 and in 2017 they raised $33,029.29. The goal for 2018 was to raise over $50,000. The amount raised in 2018 was $66,872.73 which surpassed the goal substantially.
This year the organizers of the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational were able to secure internationally acclaimed musical talent throughout the week. The fundraising events featured music by Ky-Mani Marley, a charity fashion show featuring Hatteras Island youth and a live auction of products donated by top kiteboarding and surf brands, and the grand finale with The Dubplates of Charleston, SC and The Roots.
“With Ky-Mani Marley, The Dubplates, Questlove, Black Thought and The Roots on stage at REAL Watersports all within the same week, we had momentum to draw large crowds for a great cause.” – Natalie McIntosh, Director of Operations, REAL Watersports
“It’s great to take the international exposure and the excitement of the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational and redirect the spotlight on the youth of Hatteras Island. Our hashtag for the last three years has been #ItsForTheKids.” – Trip Forman, Co-Founder, REAL Watersports
The 14th Annual Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational is scheduled for June 1-7, 2019.
REAL Watersports and the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund plan to continue their partnership next year.
The Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF) supports the educational needs of elementary and secondary school students on Hatteras Island by providing funding for equipment, materials and experiences that would otherwise not be available to these students through public funding. Teachers have an opportunity twice a year to submit their applications for funding. The Board of Directors consists of community members who volunteer their time to review grant applications and support annual HIYEF fundraising events established to keep the fund sustainable. For further information about HIYEF, go to www.hatterasyouth.com.
REAL Watersports, founded in 2001, is in Waves, North Carolina. For more information about REAL Watersports, go to www.realwatersports.com.
Wind Voyager is a luxury, water based adventure travel company. For more information about Wind Voyager, go to www.windvoyager.com.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Trip Forman at 252-987-6000, or email trip@realwatersports.com. 
2018 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational Sponsors:
Wind Voyager
REAL Watersports
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Carolina Brewery
John Wayne Cancer Foundation
Liquid Force Kiteboarding
Core Kiteboarding
ION Kiteboarding
KOA Resorts
Outer Beaches Realty
Patagonia
Naish Kiteboarding
Raw Elements
Dakine
Watermen’s Bar & Grill
Red Bull
Kaenon
Watermen’s Retreat
Ikitesurf
Roxy
The Sound 99.1
Quiksilver
IKsurfmag
The Kite Mag
Kite Spain Magazine
The Kiteboarder Magazine
Kite Soul Magazine
The Kitesurf Channel
The Kite Show
Kite Surfing Magazine
Stance Magazine
Big Hair Productions
Freedom Kite Magazine
4 Kitesurf Magazine
Stoked Roasters Coffee House
Vadatek
Breeze Thru
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Lisa’s Pizzeria
Pilot Media
Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund
Waves Market & Deli
LSI Marine
2018 Sunset Swim Charity Fashion Show Sponsors
Wind Voyager
REAL Watersports
Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund
Watermen’s Bar & Grill
Carolina Brewery
Watermen’s Retreat
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Patagonia
Core Kiteboarding
Liquid Force Kiteboarding
Billabong
Cuater/Travis Matthew
Sensi Bikinis
Big Hair Productions
Body Glove
Ozone
O'Neill
Dakine
AmuseSociety
Oakley
Firewire Surfboards
Kaenon
Christenson Surfboards
Carved Kiteboards
Pyzel
Vissla
SUPERbrand
Jetty
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Rusty
Electric
Koru Village
RVCA
Raw Elements
Olukai
Slingshot
Slowtide