Programs and results
What we aim to solve
There is currently a disconnect between conventional and traditional knowledge systems. Research scientists and medical professionals are working to solve humanity's greatest challenges in the areas of human health and natural resource protection. Indigenous communities are facing and tackling these same issues using a traditional knowledge paradigm. Surfing Medicine International aims to bridge the gaps between these two world views for a more complete answer to global problems.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Water Quality Research, Education, and Action
Water quality research in tropical watersheds. Results published in peer-reviewed science journals and links to articles posted on Surfing Medicine International website.
Ethnomedicinal Research and Education
Collaborative longitudinal ethnomedicinal research with herbalists and scientists in rural coastal West Africa.
Traditional Knowledge and Natural Resource Conservation
Support rural communities to conserve and perpetuate traditional knowledge and natural resources.
Where we work
External reviews

Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of job skills training courses/workshops conducted
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Traditional Knowledge and Natural Resource Conservation
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Native Hawaiian, Jamaican Maroon, and Fante Akan experts shared knowledge in rural Ghana about hand-carved surfboards (ecotourism ventures), native plant nursery, herbarium curation, ethnomedicine.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Surfing Medicine International aims to accomplish community-based, participatory research projects in rural areas of tropical America, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Our project designs improve local capacity to sustain natural resources and protect traditional knowledge.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Surfing Medicine International cultivates long-term collaborative relationships with individuals, leaders, organizations, governments, and institutions in the communities and regions we work in. We focus on good communication and participatory methods that aim to protect local intellectual property and rights.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Surfing Medicine International has a strong membership and a Board of Directors with the skills, experience, and qualifications required to accomplish our mission. Our co-founders, Guy A. Ragosta, Steve Bogle, and Summer Ragosta have over 60 years of collective experience working in the regions we serve.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Surfing Medicine International has established connections in rural Ghana and secured a building site for a rural clinic. In Jamaica, we have developed a monitoring protocol for herbalists. Cross-cultural studies in these two historically connected regions (West Africa and the Caribbean) have been conducted and published in peer-reviewed journals (Ethnobiology Letters and Jamaica Journal). In Hawai`i we coordinated a native seed planting program in collaboration with musicians at various concert venues.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
SURFING MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL
Board of directorsas of 02/22/2022
Guy Ragosta
Guy Anthony Ragosta
Summer Ragosta
Steve Bogle
Chad Durkin
Elaine Dupont
Marcello Parisi
Michael McMahan
Jay Oku