Stanisland Magazine

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Pink Onda Project invites you to join them for a surf and yoga event under the sun

Last updated: 4th October 2025

WORDS: Marcia Garnes

To honour October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Pink Onda Project (The POP) was created as a unique first-of-its-kind ‘pay-what-you-can’ Surf + Yoga event to amplify women’s health, sustainable living and community wellness. 50% of donations will be donated towards a local breast cancer facility.

On Saturday 4th October 2025, starting at 3pm, attendees of all ages and levels can join in at an afternoon of surf lessons, a mini surf competition, and a yoga session conducted by Yebá Yoga. 

Located in Portugal’s sun-kissed coast, The Espinho Surfinn Company will host the event in Espinho. The atmosphere? Laid-back beach vibes, accompanied with a charm bracelet making station provided by Glitter Station, a chill lounge, and progressive house-music in the background by DJ Miguellptc.

Riding Waves, Raising Awareness

According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers affecting women around the world.

At its heart, the project raises funds for the local breast cancer facility, which The POP will formally announce a selected organisation and the total amount it will donate on October 31st, 2025.

Donations will contribute towards life-saving research, improve screening quality, enhance education programs, giving fighters and survivors the tools to ride their waves with confidence and strength.

Building a Global Community 

The project came to be after Marcia Garnes, The POP director, a travel photographer and marketing consultant, and Zé Correia, coordinator and international surf instructor, shared their experiences on the impacts of breast cancer. The two come from completely different backgrounds, yet a brief interaction at Praia da Baía in Espinho inspired a project that transformed grief into purpose. 

After months of virtual meetings between Canada, Netherlands and Portugal, Marcia and Zé have now created an experience that encourages participants to embody patience and fearless fortitude to face life’s untamable waves. They also hope to inspire the importance of embracing global connections through a cause that knows no borders.

What makes this fundraiser extra special is not just what it raises but what it represents. “Onda,” meaning “wave” in several languages and part of the project’s name, reflects its ethos: no matter how large or small the wave, we rise to meet it together. Healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation; it happens in circles, shared stories and through a collective breath.

“This project has everything it takes to succeed, and it is certainly on the table to become more than just a project but evolve into becoming part of the identity to Espinho,” Correia remarks. “I believe this will be the beginning of something truly remarkable.”

By bringing people together through movement—be it the flow of yoga or the power of the ocean—the project reminds us that healing is not a solo act. It’s actually communal, and it’s beautiful, just like the upcoming event. 

Stories of Strength

Marcia’s close family friend, Maureen, bravely faced breast and lung cancer before sadly passing away in April. Marcia had the privilege as a photographer of capturing Maureen’s final moments during her celebration of life. “I don’t know if I can ever find the words to express photographing one of your best friend’s mother’s funeral. It transformed me.” She says. “What I can say with certainty is that it will be the highest honour personally and professionally. I am forever changed so this project is rooted in Maureen’s memory.” 

For Zé, his involvement is deeply personal. His mother, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. “It was a difficult process for everyone in the family, forcing us to overcome tough challenges.” He continues. “In the end, the disease went away, but the fear and uncertainty remain within us. My role as the son of a cancer patient is to show people that giving up is not an option, not even until the very last minute.” 

Their stories, among many others, fuel the soul and emotional foundation of The POP.

Waves Don’t End Here

While the event is just the start, Marcia and Zé’s vision goes far beyond the beach. The POP is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful events this season, and it’s already laying the foundation for a long-term platform for wellness-focused activism, community engagement, and creative storytelling. 

“Ideally we are able to develop content, workshops, and campaigns that keep the message alive throughout the year,” Zé says. “And that people will understand that The POP is not just an event, but a movement with social and environmental impact.”

Marcia Garnes envisions The POP becoming an experience that attracts a blend of local and international communities to the beautiful city of Espinho, wellness and action for change. She says: “I believe in this project, the cause and the people that bring this empowering vision to life. I am grateful to have come across this little place with a big heart.”

‘Pay-what-you- can’ to register on Eventbrite. Participants can expect swag bags and prizes from our eco-conscious sponsors; they include Stream2Sea, Runawave, and Circular Flow. One lucky surfer will receive a chance to win a neoprene recycled Runawave wetsuit. 

Those who can’t attend can spread the word, share it on social media and donate to the cause on Eventbrite. You can follow The Pink Onda Project on Instagram for more updates and a chance to enter their giveaway.