Un Mar de Colores is an Indigenous-led and community-rooted movement transforming how young people connect with the ocean and with themselves.
Our programs weave surf therapy, environmental education, mental health support, and climate leadership to nurture the next generation of ocean stewards across the Cali–Baja region.
But access has never been equal.
Historic redlining, segregation, cultural barriers, and economic barriers have kept many communities—especially Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income families—away from the shoreline.
At the same time, young people are navigating anxiety, cultural disconnection, and limited access to mental health support.
We exist to change that.
We build healing and leadership pathways through three interconnected pillars
Belonging, culture, and community
We create spaces where youth feel rooted, seen, and supported. Our programs uplift Indigenous knowledge, family partnerships, and intergenerational storytelling.
Stewardship and climate leadership
Through science education and binational fieldwork, youth become advocates for our shared coastlines. We train young people to understand their role as caretakers of land and water.
Healing through joy and movement
Surf therapy and trauma-informed care help young people build confidence and resilience. We believe joy is a radical tool and that play unlocks potential.
Like an estuary, our work begins from shared values and moves in two connected directions. One pathway centers direct youth experiences. The other strengthens communities and systems—so impact lasts.
Free, trauma-informed ocean experiences paired with onsite therapists, trained mentors, and culturally rooted healing practices.
Workshops, field trips, and hands-on coastal learning that make environmental and climate knowledge accessible and empowering.
A Cali–Baja youth academy combining science, culture, and civic engagement to develop the next generation of climate leaders.
Transformational voyages—including our 935-nautical-mile UN Decade expedition—connecting youth to real scientific research.
Supervision and practicum sites preparing culturally competent future therapists and expanding the behavioral health workforce.
Extending our values into culture, policy, and long-term systems change.
Our role: Co-facilitation, cultural framing, reflective leadership
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Since 2020, Un Mar de Colores has grown from a small volunteer effort into a regional ecosystem for healing and leadership.
Youth access the ocean annually
Hours of free surf therapy & education yearly
Binational climate leaders trained
Nautical miles sailed for ocean science
And we're just getting started.
Un Mar de Colores was founded by families, surfers, educators, and cultural leaders who believed that the ocean could be a place of healing and possibility for all children—not just some.
Un Mar de Colores founded in Encinitas by volunteer families, surfers, and cultural leaders. 15 students in the original class.
Surf Therapy ecosystem grows with expanded programming and community partnerships.
Un Mar de Colores expands into South County, bridging the region.
Generación SEA launches as a binational climate academy.
Ocean science expedition + statewide agency partnerships + first afterschool program.
A Cali–Baja healing, learning, and leadership ecosystem.
Every part of UMDC's work is anchored to a recognized framework, certification, or governing body. Here's how each one shapes what we do.
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Our dual-track clinical model combines licensed mental health practice with surf-based therapy. We operate as a recognized practicum site under California's Board of Behavioral Sciences — the same body that licenses every MFT and LCSW in the state.
California BBS
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United Nations · Sustainable Development Goals
As an Indigenous-rooted nonprofit our programs directly advance global commitments in the UN SDGs — across health, education, equity, climate, ocean life, and partnership.
UN SDGs
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National Marine Educators Association · UNESCO–IOC
The Ocean Literacy Principles — developed by NMEA and adopted internationally through UNESCO — are the global standard for marine education. Every UMDC program is designed around them.
NMEA
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Next Generation Science Standards
Oceanside Stewards, Watershed Explorers, and our field trips are aligned to NGSS Performance Expectations across Earth & Space Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering Design.
NGSS
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NAAEE · Pratt & Whitney
Generación SEA was selected from 200+ applications across 40+ countries — placing UMDC among the most rigorously evaluated youth environmental education programs in the world.
2025NAAEE
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Water Safety Specialists
Every team member holds Water Safety Specialists' Surfing Instructor Safety Training certification — a surf-specific standard built around the real conditions we face in open water.
WSS
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SDG icons used in accordance with UN guidelines. Not approved by or reflective of the views of the United Nations.
A Cali–Baja region where every young person has access to healing, science, culture, and leadership pathways—and where communities shape the future of our coastlines.
We collaborate with schools, researchers, families, and state agencies to build a more just and resilient coastal region.
Join us in creating a future where every young person has access to healing, belonging, and leadership through ocean connection.
