About Us

From local ocean sessions to a growing movement connecting people with the sea

Born From a Love of the Ocean

Everyone deserves ocean time.

Ocean Awareness began with a simple belief:

What started as small, informal sessions on the Sligo coastline has grown into a series of programmes designed to help people build confidence, wellbeing and connection through the ocean. From early experiences working with young people and families, it became clear that while the ocean is open to all, access to it is not equal. That is where our work begins.

THE WHY

Lowering Barriers to the Ocean

For many people, stepping into the ocean can feel out of reach.

Barriers can include:

lack of experience
Fear of the water
Cost of equipment
Limited access to guidance
Not knowing where to begin

Ocean Awareness was developed to lower these barriers — creating safe, supportive pathways for people to experience the ocean for the first time, and to keep coming back.

THE APPROACH

Learning Through the Ocean

The ocean is not just a place for activity — it is a powerful learning environment.

Through structured programmes built around outdoor learning principles, participants develop:

Confidence
Rsilience
Awareness
Connection with nature

Learning happens through experience.

Each session is shaped by the conditions, the group and the moment.

Coach with students looking at an item from the sea in one of the students hands

Lady with child posing on rocks by the beach

THE MODEL

The Ocean Awareness Approach

Our work is built around a simple structure:

Activities → Programmes → Pathways

Activities introduce people to the ocean.

Programmes provide structured experiences.

Pathways support long-term progression and confidence.

This allows participants to move at their own pace — from their first time in the water through to deeper engagement with the ocean.

Our Journey, Impact and Vision

THE JOURNEY

A Journey Built Over Time

Ocean Awareness has developed through years of hands-on experience, working with:

Local communities
Young people and families
Schools and youth organisations
Inclusion programmes
Outdoor education networks

Each stage has helped shape a model that is practical, adaptable and grounded in real experience. The learning continues.

COLLABORATION

Working With Others

Ocean Awareness is built through collaboration.

We work alongside:

Schools and educators
Youth organisations
Community groups
Outdoor learning networks
Partners connected through Léargas and Erasmus+
Organisations such as Leave No Trace Ireland
Youth development initiatives including Gaisce – The President’s Award

These partnerships allow us to expand access, share knowledge and develop new pathways into outdoor activity.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Looking Ahead

Ocean Awareness is part of a growing movement that recognises the value of outdoor environments in supporting health, education and community.

Our work contributes to the development of:

Ocean awareness and literacy
Inclusive outdoor participation
Youth development pathways
Emerging blue and outdoor learning opportunities

By starting with access, we help create long-term relationships with the ocean.

SHORT MANIFESTO INSERT

Everyone Deserves Ocean Time

We believe the ocean should be accessible to all.

Our role is to create the conditions where people feel safe to enter, supported to learn and encouraged to return.

Because when people connect with the ocean, something shifts.

Founder

Brian Parle — Founder

Brian Parle is an ocean educator and surf coach based on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Through Ocean Awareness, he develops inclusive programmes that combine outdoor learning, wellbeing and ocean connection.

His work focuses on lowering barriers to participation and helping people build confidence and long-term relationships with the sea.

Join the Journey

Whether you are a participant, a school, a youth organisation or a potential partner, there are many ways to get involved.

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