What inspired you to travel abroad?
For a long time, I wanted to travel solo and visit South Africa. I felt like joining a volunteering program to meet people from different cultures and give something back to the local community.
Through others, I heard about Surfpop. Since I am a passionate surfer, this volunteering program was a perfect match.
Surfing an unbroken wave
Why did you choose the Surfpop Foundation?
I did a lot of research on the sustainability of the various volunteering programs. For me it was very important only to provide good things to the community and not be a part of volunteerism with negative implications.
Surfpop matched with everything I was looking for. They provide help to disadvantaged kids in all aspects of life. They have support systems for them until they have a proper job or can go to college or some designated life path.
What was your favorite part about South Africa?
Cape Town is such an amazing city. It has the most beautiful coastline, beaches and waves. You can also hike the stunning hills and mountains.
The city center has a vibrant social culture and many creative spots to go to. Great food and the surf is awesome. The combination of all these things makes Cape Town my favorite travel destination.
Classroom day! Giving a presentation.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Besides the wonderful nature, surf spots and vibrant social community, surfing with the kids and helping them in the classroom made this experience wholesome.
I had moments with the kids I will never ever forget, like surfing down the line for the first time. I can honestly say this was the best traveling experience of my life.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff is amazing. I felt so welcomed and appreciated for helping out in the program—especially their approach to the skills and wishes of every volunteer.
For instance, I was an experienced surfer and thus was allowed to coach the more experienced kids further out in the water. Additionally, I was able to give a workshop in photography, one of my expertises.
I also got some private coaching from the founder of Surfpop because he saw potential in my surfing. He taught me a lot!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
To book an extra month, I guess. I stayed for one month with Surfpop, and time flew by. I wish I had offered another workshop, for example, in dancing or videography.
It was such an awesome experience to see all the kids enjoying life how they are supposed to (according to our "easy" Western/European standards).
Beach clean up with students and staff
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Some days we had a fun trip in the morning to explore Cape Town. We hiked up the Table Mountain and enjoyed the amazing view over the city and coastline.
Then we got back to our stay, surfed for a bit, and in the late afternoon, we got ready for a surf session with the Surfpop kids. We would help them get ready for some fun in the waves of Muizenberg by assisting in putting on their wetsuits and doing a warm-up together.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Definitely the surf in Muizenberg in Kommetjie. Such good waves! I also really liked to hang out with the other Surfpop volunteers. Go for a coffee in Muizenberg or take a cab to Boulder Beach to visit the penguins.
Cape Town has so much to offer. Oh, I should not forget about our experience eating samosas, fresh fish and chips next to the seals!
Helping with English
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Back in 2019 we stayed in the African Soul Surfer hostel. We had the best view: the Muizenburg Bay surf spot. I could wake up and immediately check out the waves.
It was such a nice place to hang out with the other Surfpop volunteers and meet locals from Muizenberg. I felt very safe in this area. A great moment was having our morning coffee on the balcony every day.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I think it is important to realize that you are going to better children's lives by providing this program. They are getting a change at a better future by having volunteers like you.
Surfpop can grow because of you. I think that understanding this can really help ensure that your investment is worthwhile.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to do something meaningful and fun. Surfpop works on a sustainable future for disadvantaged children. Everything about my trip was special.
I loved helping the kids with their surfing and seeing them improve. The people I met were really nice, and I learned a lot about myself, too. It was a great adventure.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
There’s so much–from seeing new places, getting to know new cultures, meeting people from all around the world, seeing new types of wildlife for the first time, trying out local food, and the most important thing: helping out the local community with something meaningful. It is an eye-opener to experience how privileged you are.
Say cheese to the GoPro
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
This experience changed my mindset to be more grateful for the life I have. It felt so good to do something meaningful for such young kids who are disadvantaged from the start of their lives. The change I’ve had because of getting involved in bettering their future by simple tasks such as helping with english and math and spending time with them in and out of the water is everything.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, means engaging in connections with local communities, learning about new cultures, and contributing to positively changing people's lives.
In my opinion, it is really important to realize how easy it is to do something good for people around you. I would recommend anyone to join a program like Surfpop.
