Mario Ordoñez-Calderon

First Generation Mayan-American

Our Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mario Ordonez-Calderon, is a Navy Veteran, Indigenous Mayan, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Outdoor Enthusiast.

“As a first generation Mexican-American of Mayan Indigenous roots, surfing was something foreign to my family and I along with many of other learning curves we had to adapt to here in the states. My calling to surf came later in life when my best friend took me out and like everyone else I learned a lesson in humility quickly as I was being tumbled around in the whitewash of waves. But something kept me coming back.

I had no idea what kind of doors surfing would open for me — It allowed me to find community, tranquility, and purpose.I recognized that I was lucky to be brought into a lifestyle so interconnected with the ocean. I wanted to create a way to pass along that opportunity to future generations; to local kids who haven’t had the privilege to enjoy the ocean the same way surfers do. I noticed a gap between some of the working-class families who lived in Encinitas but were not experiencing the beach due to lack of resources or access.

From that blossomed Un Mar De Colores. We are a Non-profit organization that bridges the socioeconomic gap in surfing by providing free surf lessons to children of color and underserved youth. The mission is simple: share the ocean, diversify the lineup, and inspire youth.

We keep the groups small and intimate, hoping to keep many of the same kids returning to give them a real opportunity to grow. The parents have been extremely thankful, many of whom would not be able to give their children this opportunity. Others said it was their child’s “best day this summer.” I’d like our program to be the ripple effect of positivity in our kids lives. They may not become a surfer, but hopefully after our program, they understand that they can do anything they set their mind to. Naturally, the ocean will become one of their greatest teachers and hopefully they will step into a role of passion for stewardship to protect the very thing that gave them this newfound joy and courage.”

Check out more of Marios background via

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdectpOQ5RI