Volunteers needed for June and August!

We have got some very exciting news: soon we are expanding our Surfpop program to 86 children from three township communities!

This means that we need more helping hands in the surf and in the classroom, especially for the months of June and August. Join the Surfpop volunteer experience one or both of these months: we will teach you how to surf and show you all that Cape Town has to offer, while you can change the lives of the Surfpop children from South African townships. June to August are the best months for surf in Cape Town with beautiful consistent waves and we have got the best surf instructors to get you up and riding in no time. Our tour guides too have the local knowledge to show you the most special places around Cape Town.

We offer a 20% discount on all our volunteer packages for June and August. Check the full Surfpop volunteer program offering on our volunteer page. Join us and share this message far and wide!

Hi, my name is Matt Brady and I am a traveler from the United States. I found out about Surfpop through a friend who told me only the most amazing things about this program, and after volunteering in April I can say that it truly only exceeded those high expectations. Learning how to surf from the professional instructors was awesome, for they don’t just help by teaching the moves but they really share their love of surfing with you and inspire you to do your best. However, the highlight of the month was getting to know such great kids, both in the classroom and in the waves. Watching them stand up on the board for the first time that day, spontaneous dance circles, and deep yet motivating conversations about life are all brief memories with the kids that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. The hardest part was saying goodbye at the end of the month, but I know I will be back whenever I can to see them again. I am grateful for Daniel and Celine for welcoming me into the group, and for all the lekker experiences. I’d highly recommend Surfpop to anyone who wants to learn surfing, while also helping and connecting with some amazing children!

Ebony (22 years) joined Surfpop as a volunteer in February and March this year. We asked her a couple questions about her stay at Surfpop.

How did you find out about Surfpop and what made you decide to join us?

“I found out about Surfpop through an advertisement on instagram. I am currently on a gap year in between my studies and I wanted to travel, while doing something fun and useful. I love surfing and children, so this was the perfect fit for me.”  

How has it been for you to help the Surfpop children from township communities?

“It is so special to work with these children because they are always so happy when they are at Surfpop that you sometimes forget how their life is at home… It is crazy to imagine that their lives are so different from ours. I feel like I taught them a lot, but they taught me even more. The problems that I experience in my life are not even close to anything they are going through, which makes it so special to help them and give them the best time possible while being a volunteer.” 

What was the highlight of your experience with us? 

“That I made a lot of new connections with the volunteers, as well as with the children. I did not expect to have such a good bond with the children in only 6 weeks. I realized even more how much I love it to be in the ocean and improve my surfing.” 

What did you think of your stay in Muizenberg?

“I felt really safe, which is really important for me. Muizenberg is not comparable to any other place I have ever been. The people are really nice and chilled and I love the vibe. It is like a little surf village what makes the experience even more fun.”

What surprised you the most during your stay? 

“I initially booked for four weeks but when I was in my second week I knew I wanted to stay longer, which surprised me because I really thought 4 weeks would be long enough for me. I extended my stay for two more weeks and I am still so glad I made that decision. Those two weeks had a big influence on my bond with the children, they opened up to me a lot more and got to know them better.”

How did you enjoy the tours?

“The tours were so fun. It’s great to get to know the other volunteers and explore Cape Town.” 

Would you recommend Surfpop to others and why?

“Definitely! It was a beautiful experience and it went by so fast, I wasn’t ready to leave but unfortunately I had to. The whole experience has been amazing!”

Join us for the month of April as a volunteer and combine your Surfpop volunteer experience with a South African safari trip!

While you spent most of your time with us in Muizenberg, we have got an epic safari planned for you too! In Muizenberg we will teach you how to surf and show you all the beauty that Cape Town has to offer, while you support us in the afternoons as assistant tutor and surf coach for the Surfpop children. During the Easter weekend, the safari trip will take you to beautiful game parks, where you are able to spot the big five! We will also drive through the lush and green Garden Route, where we will make a stop at the highest bungee jump in the world and kayak through river gorges. A trip filled with adventure!

Book now for April, as there are only a couple spots still available.

*Disclaimer: Safari fees not included.

We carefully measure the outcomes and impact of our program to improve what we do and how we do it. We are proud of the continued positive impact of our growing program and are excited to share it with you!

The period 2020-2021 was an exciting period wherein we kickstarted our growth to 70 beneficiaries from three township communities. Similar to previous years the children show improved mental wellbeing and resilience, outperform the national average change in school performance, are more physically healthy, understand better how to care for the environment and are more positive about their future. We are also super proud of our graduates Babongile and Asenako, who obtained their college diplomas and started their first jobs!

This year we are presenting our impact report in a much more graphic way. Check it out here and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

We are super proud that the Surfpop story, told by our founder Daniel Botha, has been filmed by CNN as part of the African Voices Changemakers program!