Last year, Swellnet reported on Project Nasi, a surfer-led charity distributing rice across pandemic-struck Bali. Matt George reports that Project Nasi has now spread its wings.

Surfers Sam Mahony and James Foley, founders of Project Nasi on Bali, just don’t have any quit in them.

And they're hoping the same for you.

“We are determined to stay vital through the entire pandemic here in Bali,” says Foley, “and hopefully beyond. It’s just a good way to be a good surfer”.

Bali has been hard hit by the pandemic, but Mahony and Foley have been hitting back for over a year. In their latest effort, Project Nasi has delivered hundreds of kilos of rice (nasi), fresh eggs, and vegetables to residents of sister island Nusa Lembongan.

Partnering with the Lembongan Surf Team (LST) who have been supporting families with baby formula, basic medicine, and even medical check-ups for hundreds of children and the elderly. The LST, led by local surfers Wayan Lena, Komo Wilson, and Robot Wayan are providing the muscle and the community connection while the Project Nasi Team handle the logistics and delivery. 

You've no doubt heard of Nusa Lembongan, and a lot of you have probably surfed it. First seen in the 1982's 'Band on the Run' - starring a 24-year old World Champion Rabbit Bartholomew - the waves on this island were a revelation. Surfers poured in after that, naming the best waves Shipwrecks and Lacerations, both rare Indonesian righthanders and a boon for regular foots to this day.

As honest as it is humble, the spirit of Project Nasi has drawn the global attention of prominent surfers. Take Koby Abberton, fellow Maroubra alumni of Foley, who while in Bali during the pandemic, has been pitching in, inspiring other top calibre surfers to give it their best. And Winchester Sumastra, President of the Padma Boardriders club, has been working hard promoting and helping raise money while in Australia. There was a spike in donations when he reached out to Dean Morrison, who gladly spread the word, and when Paul Fisher, surfer, DJ extraordinaire and Bali-lover heard about it and reached out to his huge following, the outpouring of support for Project Nasi was remarkable.

As a surfer-run operation, the team is very hands on and it's become a great way for any surfer to make sure every cent they donate is going right into the hands of those who need it most. To anyone that has ever ripped the waves of Nusa Lembongan, know that Project Nasi will continue their efforts. Efforts that started here a year ago remain sincere, honest, and deployed with a surfing spirit.

Giving now, right now, will ensure that Nusa Lembongan will remain a healthy, happy surf destination for the next fifty years, so step up to the plate at Project Nasi's GoFundMe page.

// MATT GEORGE