Why a Hawaii Man Chose to Tackle His Sports Gambling Addiction by Offering Free Surf Lessons to Strangers

February 28, 2026

TL;DR

Buddy Wiggins, a 32-year-old from Honolulu, Hawaii, is tackling his sports gambling addiction by offering free surf lessons.
After losing nearly everything, Wiggins heard a voice guiding him to change his life by sharing his passion for surfing.
The First Wave Project involves Wiggins and friends approaching strangers on Waikiki Beach, offering free lessons to those who have never surfed.
Students have reported gaining confidence from the experience, which has helped them feel capable of tackling future challenges.
Wiggins does this for free, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in giving back, and has helped approximately 100 people so far.

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