Surfing Swami Foundation Names Morgan Maassen as Ambassador

Surfing Swami Foundation, the organizers of the country’s first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) event, India Paddle Festival announced the appointment of one of the most prominent film maker and award-winning photographer in the world of surfing, Morgan Maassen, as their Ambassador. Morgan will play a pivotal part in advancing the mission and vision of the foundation, championing its initiatives, and expanding its reach to surf communities worldwide.

With a strong background in filmmaking, visual arts and being one of the most influential person in the surfing industry, Morgan Maassen brings a wealth of experience and passion for philanthropy to this role. Morgan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on society and empowering communities through his illustrious career.

As Foundation Ambassador, Morgan will leverage his extensive network and influential voice to raise awareness about the foundation's key projects and campaigns. He will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring others to join the cause and contribute to meaningful initiatives by Surfing Swami Foundation in India.

In accepting his new role, Morgan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am deeply honored to join Surfing Swami Foundation as Ambassador and advisor. I am eager to contribute to the incredible work already being done and to help drive positive change in communities around the world. Together, we can make a tangible difference."

Born in Santa Barbara, California, Morgan has worked for the top-most brands in the world like, Apple, Nike, Mercedes Benz, Estee Lauder, Corona, Vuori, Lululemon, Breitling, Amazon, Audi, Disney, Red Bull, Barney's, NRG, Microsoft, Facebook, Wilson, Urban Outfitters, Patagonia, Warner Music Group, Virgin Records, Delta Airlines, Samsung, Mini Cooper, NBC Universal, Volvo, Monster Energy, Lexus, Hyundai, Jack Johnson, Nixon, Penguin Publishing, Standard Vision, Tommy Bahama, Verizon Wireless.

His work has been featured in major global publications like, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Wired, National Geographic, Outside, New York Times, Elle, Condé Naste Traveler, Instyle, Esquire, Marie Claire, The Daily Mail, The Red Bulletin, Juxtapoz, ESPN, Monster Children, Surfer, Zig-Zag, Paris Match, La Repubblica. Morgan has also served as a guest lecturer in institutions & organizations like, Stanford, UCLA, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Meta, Columbia Sportswear.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, Director, SSF, said, “We are thrilled to onboard, Morgan as the ambassador of the foundation. We have known each other for the past 15 years and share a very good personal and professional bond. He is someone who shares the same values as us and works towards achieving that vision. We hope that this partnership will bring positive changes that we have thought of. We look forward to work together and benefit the surfing community not just in India but also globally.”

The partnership announcement was made on the final day of the India Paddle Festival which was recently concluded at Sasihithlu beach, Mangalore Karnataka. A total of over 50 stand-up paddlers across the countries like, Spain, Hungary, Denmark, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Indonesia were seen in action. The three day cultural and sports event, India Paddle Festival also featured adventures documentaries like It Is This, In Search of the Storm and Powerstar and other short movies on all the days. The event was presented by Karnataka Government and organized by Surfing Swami Foundation and also it got the support from Bollywood celebrities like, Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty and Pooja Hegde and the country’s top sports stars – KL Rahul and Chirag Shetty.