MasterCraft Launches Annual ‘Surf to Save Lives’ Campaign

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This summer, you can turn your time on the water into a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. MasterCraft is again encouraging watersports enthusiasts to participate in its Surf to Save Lives campaign, which since 2023 has contributed $225,000 to St. Jude.

From now through September 30, 2026, participants can take part by logging their time spent on the water through the MasterCraft Connect app. Every minute recorded behind a boat by wakesurfers, wakeboarders, waterskiers, or tubers results in MasterCraft donating $1 to St. Jude, up to $75,000.

St. Jude is a world-renowned pediatric research hospital, focused on childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Patients and their families are never charged for care, travel, housing, or food.

You don’t have to own a MasterCraft boat to take part. The campaign is open to participants nationwide, regardless of brand or boat ownership. Anyone can join by downloading the MasterCraft Connect app and logging their time.

“We’ve always believed the best days on the water are the ones shared with family and friends, and this campaign gives those moments even greater purpose,” said Krista Schipner, vice president of marketing at MasterCraft. “Surf to Save Lives continues to grow because the boating community shows up in a meaningful way. We’re proud to keep building on that momentum in year four and support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Surf to Save Lives has expanded participation this year, too. A text-in option broadens access for those who want to make a direct donation to support St. Jude. That’s in addition to MasterCraft’s $75,000 pledge.

Surf to Save Lives Ambassador Returns

Former professional wakeboarder and childhood cancer survivor Alexa Score returns as the Surf to Save Lives ambassador. She uses her platform to share her story, drive participation, and spotlight the impact behind every minute logged.

“Surf to Save Lives is incredibly close to my heart,” Score said. “And getting to support a cause like St. Jude alongside MasterCraft means so much to me. This April, I had the opportunity to visit St. Jude and see firsthand the incredible work they’re doing for children and their families. It’s truly inspiring. To witness that level of care and hope up close, and then know I’m part of a brand that’s actively supporting that mission, is really special. It makes every minute on the water part of something much bigger.”

People without access to a boat can still participate by texting SURF to 626262. For more information about the MasterCraft Surf to Save Lives campaign, please visit this campaign-specific page.

Mike Werling

Mike has spent more than 25 years working with words as an editor and writer. He is the managing editor of Boatmart and served as the managing editor of Sea and Boating World magazines for nearly a decade.

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