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Pool Cleaner Fights Gambling Addiction with Free Surf Lessons

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Buddy Wiggins, a 32-year-old pool cleaner from Honolulu, Hawaii, fights a gambling addiction by offering free surf lessons to strangers at Waikiki Beach through the First Wave Project.
The First Wave Project provides lessons to people who have never surfed before.
So far, it has helped about 100 people.
For those facing gambling issues, the National Problem Gambling Helpline offers free support at 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Story summary

Buddy Wiggins, a 32-year-old pool cleaner from Honolulu, Hawaii, fights a gambling addiction by offering free surf lessons to strangers at Waikiki Beach through the First Wave Project.
The First Wave Project provides lessons to people who have never surfed before.
So far, it has helped about 100 people.
For those facing gambling issues, the National Problem Gambling Helpline offers free support at 1-800-GAMBLER.