Our previous winner of the 7 Nights In Bali Competition Jessi-Jean Havemann has been super busy working for a new surf volunteer outreach program here in Cape Town, called Surfpop. Read more about it below, as Daniel Botha, the founder of the organization talks about Surfpop. Daniel also runs Bailey’s Surf Shack in Muizenberg, where the volunteers will be based.
For more information you can visit the website: www.surfpop.co.za
“After having been exposed to, and dealing with people from disadvantaged communities, the idea of Surfpop almost sprouted naturally. Surfpop aims to establish a way out for children from disadvantaged communities, leading them away from gangsterism, crime and drugs. The ‘way out’ entails a new outlook on life, brought about by the love for surfing and the ocean. There is a need for people to help children in struggling communities, as they are faced with problems far greater than most of us can imagine.
Along with being able to influence this new outlook on life, we want to share the stoke of surfing with you, and have you standing up, riding and carving some lines. You will be required to absorb this knowledge and apply it through interactive surf sessions with the children. We want to use surfing as a form of communication and inspiration. This is something very unique that they would otherwise never have the opportunity to do. We want to give them something to look forward to; give them hope; show them compassion; and most importantly, put massive smiles on their faces.
Surfpop is run out of a backpackers called Bailey’s Surf Shack, a melting pot for travellers from around the world. Bailey’s is situated in the heart of Muizenberg, nestled between the mountain, sea and vlei. At Bailey’s we eat, sleep and breathe surfing.
The Volunteer Programme :
The volunteer program runs over 4 weeks with the option to extend your stay. Unfortunately 4 weeks is the minimum as it is too disruptive for the kids when there are just people coming and going all the time.
We have a 2 day orientation period which entails getting you aquanted with the area and the surroundings, meeting the children and having a welcoming braai on the first evening.
Once a week, weather dependant, we will take you on a tour. Whether it be exploring caves, going to ‘secret gardens’, exploring remote mountain pools, we have a few plans up our sleeve.
You will be recieving lessons 3 days a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These are 1 1/2 hour sessions with your instructors. After your lesson you will have the opportunity to keep the equipment and have a freesurf for an hour before going home for lunch. You will then also prepare packed lunches for the children.
When the kids finish school we will collect them and take them for their surf and provide them with lunch on the beach.
After spending the afternoon volunteering with them, we will drop them off again and go home, and you will have time to relax while your dinner is being prepared.
Tuesday and Thursday is your day to freesurf which will be followed by spending the afternoon with the kids. You can take them surfing, organise a game of soccer or take them on a hike.
Saturday and Sunday is yours to explore Cape Town or if you wish just relax at the backpackers.”
Surf, volunteer and make a difference,get involved and spread the stoke!! Book now to get your spot 🙂 info@surfpop.co.za
