Volunteer in South Africa with IVHQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization trusted by more than 155,000 volunteers since 2007.
Make a meaningful difference by supporting the Surf, Skate and Swim program in the coastal suburb of Table View, Cape Town. Set against stunning beaches and an active outdoor culture, this program uses action sports and water based activities to engage children and youth in positive, confidence building experiences.
You will support local programs that introduce children from surrounding communities to surfing, skating, swimming, and ocean safety. This fully hosted experience allows you to contribute to youth development through sport while enjoying life in one of Cape Town’s most scenic seaside areas.
Your Role and Impact: The primary goal of this project is to empower children and young people through physical activity, mentorship, and exposure to healthy lifestyles. Many participants have limited access to recreational opportunities or formal swimming education. The program helps build confidence, resilience, water safety skills, and teamwork while creating a safe and supportive environment for learning and fun. Volunteers play an important role in ensuring sessions are inclusive, engaging, and well supported.
As a Surf, Skate and Swim volunteer in Table View, your role will be active, hands on, and rewarding:
- Activity Support: Assisting instructors during surf, skate, and swim sessions, helping participants safely engage with activities and build new skills.
- Youth Mentorship: Encouraging confidence, positive behavior, and teamwork through interaction, motivation, and role modeling.
- Safety Support: Helping supervise children during water and land based activities and reinforcing basic safety awareness.
- Program Assistance: Setting up and packing down equipment, organizing participants, and supporting daily session logistics.
Volunteers work closely with qualified instructors, youth mentors, program coordinators, and fellow international volunteers. Local staff provide training on safety procedures, activity structure, and safeguarding practices to ensure all sessions are safe, supportive, and enjoyable.
No special equipment is required for this program. Surfboards, skateboards, helmets, wetsuits, and safety equipment are provided on site. Volunteers should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, comfortable active clothing, and suitable footwear. Basic swimming ability and comfort around water are recommended.
No previous surf, skate, or swim experience is required. Enthusiasm, energy, patience, and a willingness to support and encourage young participants are the most important qualities for volunteers on this project.
Program Details and Accommodation: This fully hosted volunteer experience includes accommodation in a volunteer house in Cape Town with meals provided each day. Transport to and from program locations in Table View is arranged locally. Volunteers gain meaningful experience in youth development through sport, connect with volunteers from around the world, and spend free time exploring Cape Town’s beaches, surf spots, cultural neighborhoods, and nearby natural attractions. Available during scheduled program periods, this project offers a dynamic and impactful opportunity to empower young people through sport and water based activities in South Africa.
