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South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, with its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, has long been a favourite with the world’s surfers. Now, those wanting to enjoy the waves in this incredible destination can do so in the knowledge that they’ll be giving something back to the local community with i-to-i’s brand new ‘Surfing Experience with Disadvantaged Children’ trip. Volunteers hit the waves to perfect their surfing skills during the first week of their trip, and then spend the rest of their stay helping disadvantaged kids stay off the streets by teaching them how to surf.
Volunteers kick off their trip by learning how to surf in the sea off the beautiful white sands of Muizenburg beach, near Cape Town, one of the best places around to learn the sport. Those who have never stepped foot on a board before needn’t worry: almost everyone manages to stand up and catch a wave within a couple of hours in the water. There will, however, be plenty of chances for beginners to perfect the art of looking cool while falling off! Once they’re up and surfing, they’ll also have a chance to learn a bit more about tides and currents to make sure they’re safe in the water.
This project isn’t just about travellers indulging their passion for surfing though: after a week of surf lessons, volunteers give something back by helping out disadvantaged kids from the local area, who wouldn’t usually get the chance to learn to surf, get on a board. By giving kids the opportunity to do something active and worthwhile with their time, volunteers help them stay away from negative influences on the streets. So, after mornings filled with more surf lessons and learning new moves, volunteers help the kids get suited up and kitted out with boards before taking to the water. There’s no chance of anyone feeling out of their depth though – there’s always an experienced instructor on hand nearby to help if needs be. By the end of their trips, however, volunteers are sure to be taking to the waves like naturals!
Those taking part in the project also have plenty of free time during evenings and on the weekend to enjoy everything the beautiful Cape Peninsula has to offer. Travellers stay in a fun and sociable volunteer hostel in the laid-back town of Fish Hoek, just a short drive from a fabulous beach, shops and a train station, where it’s a short hop into Cape Town itself. Volunteers are given a tour of energetic Cape Town during the first week of their trip and a few top tips on what to see there, such as the rugged wilderness of Table Mountain or Robben Island museum, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 26 years. Or, for those who want to spend a little more time on the beach, there are plenty of picturesque spots for lounging at nearby Misty Cliffs, Camps Bay or Clifton.
The trip usually lasts two weeks, but there’s always the opportunity to stay for up to eight weeks if travellers want to become true surfing experts. It costs £765, with each week thereafter costing £200. i-to-i volunteers, as always, enjoy in-country orientation and dedicated support throughout their trip. i-to-i also offers 19 other fantastic trips to South Africa. For more information take a look at i-to-i’s website (http://www.i-
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
