At a glance
- Travel to South Africa and with the help of other teens, teach disadvantaged children and young adults how to surf, while riding the waves yourself!
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Surfing volunteer work in South Africa for teens is part of our community outreach and development programs. You’ll also be working with disabled children teaching them the occupational therapy techniques we teach you.
- This surfing coach volunteer as a teen opportunity is based in Cape Town. You’ll be riding the waves at Muizenberg beach, a small suburb along the beach.
Start Dates:
Fixed dates during school break
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Two Weeks
Requirements:
This project is only for 15-18 year olds
Is this Surfing Volunteer Project right for me?
If you like going with the flow in a literal sense, and want to help people develop through sports, then our Surfing Project for teens is just what you need!
You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors; on the beach and in the water with other teens and like-minded people. This is a great way for you to support local communities and get some coaching experience for you resume. Coaching will also help develop your leadership skills.
If you don’t know how to surf, no problem. Our International Surfing Association (ISA) surfing coach, will make sure you’re gliding atop the waves in no time. You will have to be a strong swimmer, however, since you’ll be spending lots of time in the water.
The project runs all year round, you can start on any day, and it’s fully supervised. So all you need to do is decide on some dates, complete our application form with a £195 deposit and we’ll take care of the rest.
What will I do on this surfing volunteer program for teens?
As a High School Special Surfing Volunteer you’ll be working with the surf team to give surf and fitness lessons on the beach. Here’s what you can expect to be doing:
Teach disadvantaged children and adults to surf
Your number one task as a teen volunteer surfing coach in South Africa will be to plan and run surfing classes for disadvantaged kids and adults from the local area. You’ll teach them to surf once you’re able to. It’ll be a breeze with the help of our surfing coach. If they need help swimming you’ll give them a hand with that too. It’s also important that you share with them the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life.
Work with a local non-profit on surf therapy sessions
We have a project partner organization that works with disabled children. The children have conditions like autism, Asperger’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Down’s syndrome. You’ll be trained on how to do basic occupational therapy techniques, and use these methods to help them surf and keep active.
Plan and run educational workshops
Sometimes the weather can be unpredictable in Cape Town so any surfing plans for the day can be put on hold. If this happens we’ll grab the opportunity to do workshops, arts & crafts, games, and other activities. These will focus on healthy nutrition, marine life conservation, and recycling.
Explore Cape Town
After you’ve had your coaching sessions for the day, we’ll take you on exciting nights out in the Mother City. There’ll be lots of cultural activities you can enjoy with other teens. You’ll also see some of Cape Town’s most picturesque places, like Table Mountain or Boulders Beach. South Africa has a rich history and you’ll be hearing about it when you visit some of the cultural areas like District 6 and Robben Island.
Where will I work in South Africa?
Cape Town
You’ll be staying in one of Cape Town’s most popular surf suburbs - Muizenberg. There are plenty of surf spots for you to explore, whether you’re a beginner or an upcoming star!
The gentle sloping sandy beach and consistent waves make it one of the safest and most user-friendly beaches in the world for beginner surfers. On the doorstep of the beach you’ll find a host of restaurants and shops for you and your fellow teens to shop at if you feel like finding a trinket or two.
What are the aims of the High School Special Surfing Coach Project?
The main aim of the High School Special Surfing Project is for you to help support local communities through teaching surfing in South Africa.
Many of the children and adults we work with on the High School Special Surfing Project battle difficult problems in their communities. These are issues like drug abuse, lack of education and resources, high unemployment rates, and violence. Many of them cannot take up a hobby like surfing due to the cost of it. With your help, we try to make it inclusive for everyone.
Our goals are to create better options and new perspectives for these people outside of the hardships they know in their communities. A healthy, teamwork activity like surfing helps create this. Many of these people may never fly in a plane, but we can help them fly on the waves. Our surfing staff will confirm this is a much better feeling.
Tag along and join our Surfing Coach Project in Cape Town during your school holidays.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.
We produce an annual High School Specials Impact Report, which documents some of these achievements. Find out more about the impact of these projects, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Cape Town. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa and have a truly unique experience.
On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same sex and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Meet the team
Our accreditations
