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Brilliant 4.76rating (234)
  • Quality Education

Surf and Teach

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience Cape Town and the beautiful sites!
  • Learn how to Surf
  • Give back to the community whilst volunteering at a School

Highlights

  • Experience Cape Town and the beautiful sites!
  • Learn how to Surf
  • Give back to the community whilst volunteering at a School
  • Make memories you will never forget whilst on Weekend tours and meting people
  • Tour SA!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Lean how to Surf whilst volunteering with kids!

    The Surf & Teach program allows you the unique opportunity to volunteer at a local primary school or kindergarten, while learning to surf, or improve your surf skill level! 

    Depending on which age-group of children you prefer to work with, you will be placed either at a primary school, where you ...

    About the program

    The Surf & Teach program allows you the unique opportunity to volunteer at a local primary school or kindergarten, while learning to surf, or improve your surf skill level! 

    Depending on which age-group of children you prefer to work with, you will be placed either at a primary school, where you work with kids aged 7 - 13yrs and focus on the sports side of things. Many of the schools we work with, don't have full-time sports coaches, so the focus is placed almost entirely on academics. Having volunteers at these schools, enables the kids to have sports lessons, which leads to a more balanced life at school. Keeping them active not only helps to keep them healthy, but also energizes them to focus better in the classroom.

    Your duties at the primary school will include:
    • Basic sports coaching
    • Assist teachers with in-class lessons from time to time
    • Basic fitness training (Physical Education classes)
    • Included are sports like basketball, football and volleyball as well as running/athletics
    • Introducing new sports with your own initiative
    • Leading discussions about healthy living (exercise and nutrition)

    ** This may vary depending on the specific school and after school programs **

    If you prefer to work with younger children, we can place you at a kindergarten with children aged 3 months - 6 years. Your focus here would be on stimulating the children with creative arts, song/dance, and educational games. You will also help feed the kids breakfast and lunch, and assist the local staff with food preparation and cleaning. It's guaranteed to be loads of fun!  

    Please note that this program runs according to the school calendar (4 School Term dates below). Volunteers joining/starting within 2 weeks of the end of the school term, will automatically be placed at a kindergarten, simply because there are no in-classroom or sports lessons taking place during this time. Those starting during school holidays will work at a kindergarten until schools open.

    School Terms 2026:

    Term 1:                14 January – 27 March

    Term 2:                08 April – 26 June

    Term 3:                21 July – 02 October

    Term 4:                13 October – 09 December 

    Typical day

    Your day will be broken up in 2 parts, as follows:


    Mornings

    You will be placed at a physical education program which runs in conjunction with our primary schools where volunteers are placed at local public/government schools. A majority of the Schools does not have equipment to conduct a sports ...

    Typical day

    Your day will be broken up in 2 parts, as follows:


    Mornings

    You will be placed at a physical education program which runs in conjunction with our primary schools where volunteers are placed at local public/government schools. A majority of the Schools does not have equipment to conduct a sports program and volunteers have to be flexible and use their initiative. Volunteers will only have 1-3 periods of Physical Education per day, approximately 1-2 hours only and the rest of the day they will be required to assist the teachers in the classroom with lessons. This can vary depending on the activities planned for the day, or the volunteer’s creativity and initiative to conduct their own physical education lessons with the children. usual working days at the project go from 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Monday to Thursday) or 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Friday) and include the following activities.

    Please note: Our Primary School projects are not within walking distance, so volunteers need to use Uber taxis daily (10-15mins drive). We generally place at least 4 volunteers at the same school, so the Uber costs are split amongst the group

    Afternoons
    You will have two Afternoons per week where you will learn how to Surf with a professional Surf Instructor.
    Your Surf lesson will be approximately two hours  and will include pick up and drop off from the accommodation, Surf board and wet suit, Fully qualified Surf Instructor, and photos (snapshots) taken with GoPro.

    Our coaching team members are qualified, and we are a fully insured operation from the moment you step into our bus and then off the bus.  You will have 2 Surf lessons per week. Please be informed that these lessons are weather dependent and you have to be flexible to accommodate such conditions AND other bookings we can group you with, to make for a fun an enjoyable experience. Should we have no group lessons booked for a particular week, we will combine the price of the 2 group lessons and give you 1 private individual lesson.

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the ...

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
    There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Be able to Swim, keen interest in working with children and Sports

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Placement in a suitable project and volunteer house - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session - Accommodation (incl. Breakfast) at volunteer house 

    At additional cost: Weekday lunch and Dinner; Weekend meals; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site

    Program includes 2 Surf Lessons per week, including return transport, surf gear, Surf Instructor etc.

    Please note that once you have paid the balance of your program fee (typically 1 month prior to your arrival), cancellations will result in a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation within 7 days of your arrival. No refunds will be issued for early departures - a credit voucher will be issued to you, and you can then return to complete your program at a future date.


    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from our partner transport company, Backpacker Bus, will have a signboard with STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS (and/or your name) on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.

    Accommodation

    THE HOUSE:

    The Stay Africa Volunteer House provides a clean, comfortable, safe and secure living-environment for all our volunteers.

     

    Our house boasts the following amenities for your comfort and safety:

     

    ·         Backpacker-style dorm rooms sleeping between 4 – 8 per room

    ·         Lockers are provided to keep valuables safe (please provide your own padlock)

    ·         Strictly controlled access (all gates fitted with electronic keypad access)

    ·         2 TV Rooms / Lounges with full cable TV (various movie, sport & music channels)

    ·         2 fully-equipped kitchens (fridge, stove, microwave, kettle, cutlery, crockery, etc.)

    ·         Communal Showers and Toilets

    ·         Indoor and Outdoor braai/barbecue facilities

    ·         Pool Table, Table-Tennis table and dart-board.

    ·         Hi-Speed Wi-Fi 

    ·         On-site Hostel manager and daily cleaning staff

    ·         Breakfast included from Mon-Fri (lunch, dinner and weekend meals not provided)


    The Area 

    Observatory, or “Obs” as the locals call it, is Cape Town’s most bohemian suburb and lies about 15mins (drive) east of the city centre. Located just 2km from the University of Cape Town, this student town is a vibrant, multi-cultural community that attracts young travelers from all over the globe, all year round. Our volunteer house is a 10min walk from Lower Main Road - the main entertainment area and heartbeat of Obs. You’ll find quirky restaurants, easy going bars, live music (everything from Reggae and Afro-jazz to Contemporary) and tons of cozy little coffee shops and cafés. During the Apartheid era, Observatory was one of the few “grey” suburbs – areas where people of mixed race, religion and cultures were allowed to live together. This spirit has lived on and has resulted in a suburb unique in its diversity. Our volunteers will definitely love the sights and sounds of Obs. Within a 5km radius of Obs, you’ll find the Newlands rugby and cricket stadiums, various shopping centers, museums, art galleries and stage theatres, hiking trails and of course The Old Biscuit Mill - this vibrant spot is home to night and day markets, designer stores, delicious farmstalls, decadent cafes as well as an awesome line-up of festivals and events.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast is provided on weekdays (Monday to Friday only). Lunch, Dinner and weekend meals are the volunteer's expense. 

    Breakfast is self-service and includes coffee, tea with bread/toast, eggs, at least 2 cereal types, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruits. 

    The volunteer house is located within walking distance of numerous restaurants (everything from steak houses and burger joints, to Sushi/Asian cuisine) and small corner cafes and coffee shops (for light meals), as well as well-known fast food outlets (KFC, McDonalds, Nandos, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc.). Uber Eats offers a delivery service for most of these.

    Volunteers also often buy groceries from the nearby supermarket and have home-cooked meals together in groups - great bonding experiences and often loads of fun!! Just try not to burn down our kitchens!!

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences
    3-Day Garden Route and Safari Tour

    Looking to explore the Garden Route on one epic three-day road trip? Then you’ve found your match! This fast-paced itinerary is filled to the brim ...

    $515 / once
    Host Family Accommodation

    Even though our volunteer house is a great place to live during your volunteer program, that hostel-type of accommodation might not be for everyone. ..

    $10 / per day
    2-Day Wildlife and Safari Tour

    Go wild in the Western Cape on an overnight trip with safari from Cape Town! Travel off the beaten track to immerse yourself in the African bush. The ...

    $395 / once

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer program begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday, so you are welcome to arrive on any Sunday, throughout the year. You can arrive anytime over the weekend, join the group orientation session on the Monday morning, then start at your project on the Tuesday morning. 


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $355 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2029
    My volunteering experience in South Africa was truly unforgettable. I had the chance to work at Kiddies College, where I was welcomed like ...
    Tom Bruschi

    Surf and Teach

    •
    2024
    It was a very enriching experience, not only for the people that I meet during the project but also for the amount of activities and moments ...
    Lucia Marthaler

    Surf and Teach

    •
    2022
    Me and my 2 brothers really enjoyed our time in Cape Town. The ambiance of Everyone in The house was great! And everything around the ...
    Jort Bressers

    Surf and Teach

    •
    2022
    I spent one month in the volunteer house in Obs to do the „Surf and Teach“ project. The house was completely fine everybody had enough ...
    Vivienne Hinzke

    Surf and Teach

    •
    2020
    Really the best volunteer program EVER!! I had so much fun at the primary school with the crazy kids and awesome teachers! The volunteer ...
    Jana Wohlert

    Surf and Teach

    •
    2030
    I had a perfect time in Cape Town! I love the city and love the children in the kindergarten even more! They are crazy but they are so cute. ..
    Luiza Camelo

    Daycare Supporter

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Kevin
    234
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    1972
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Sports in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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