The Ride Story
FROM INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY...
On June 21st 2009, Sylvain Gaeng, initiator of WAVES for Development and Swiss surfer who has ridden waves around the world, sets up the first «International Surfing Day» in the French speaking part of Switzerland.
The first 3 editions (2009 to 2011) of this civic volunteer initiative were organised without any budget. The roots of this initiative are Sylvain’s spirit and surfing values: respect, fun, sharing and responsibility.
In 2010, Sylvain invited Summit FOUNDATION to join the adventure. R4tC gets then an environmental and educational theme. These themes become the heart of the event.
...TO R4tC
The concept at the start was very simple: every ridden km raised some cash for WAVES, and for Summit from 2013. This grant was paid either by the riders themselves or by a sponsor backing and encouraging them to ride as many km as possible.
In 2011 we decided to rename the event in order to focus on the charity race and WAVES’ mission: “Ride for the Cause” (R4tC) was born.
In 2012 and 2013, the targets became more ambitious and the event got larger. It had to move to a new spot, the Pierrier Beach in Clarens-Montreux, however the concept and the spirit remained the same.
Sincere and authentic, R4tC welcomed more and more participants, families, surfers and visitors. All gathered on the beach to prolong the summer season and support good causes of WAVES and Summit.
THE ASSOCIATION
As the event become bigger and bigger, the organizers founded an independant association in 2014. The goal was to raise funds for local and international charities.
These grants benefits 3 themes:
- Education
- Environmental impact of human activities awareness
- Using sport to create development.
Throughout the years, R4tC raised:
- 434.20 CHF in 2009
- 848.10 CHF in 2010
- 5’145.75 CHF in 2011
- 11’937.05 CHF in 2012
- 20’860.- CHF in 2013
- 30’000.- CHF in 2014
- 36’000 CHF in 2015
- 45’000 CHF in 2016
- 37’500 CHF in 2017
- 40’500 CHF in 2018
2018, 10th...and last Ride for the Cause
Ride for the Cause was the exciting event that has thrilled you during the summer and immersed you in a Californian atmosphere on the beach of Le Pierrier in Clarens/Montreux since 2009. It was a quality event and an incredible success that has continued to grow over the years. It was particularly welcomed by the hospitality industry.
Ride for the Cause was a full time passion, serious commitment and hard work. It is these ingredients that have made us experience moments of extreme joy, and this is thanks to you. However, after nearly two years of reflection, the committee decided to stop after the 10th edition of 2018. The scale of Ride for the Cause had become such that to ensure its sustainability and quality, the organization should have gone through a professional structure. As volunteering and the values it conveys are an integral part of the Ride DNA, another path of development was not possible for us.
To all of you who have supported us and brought us to the Hall of Fame of Community and Responsible Events, we say THANK YOU!