Surf’s up for dozens of little grommets in Durban thanks to donations of pre-loved and unused boards.
Durban, South Africa (02 February 2026) – Dozens of Durban’s street children are feeling empowered with new surfboards, thanks to a haul of donated boards landing exactly where they were needed!
Surf HQ Surf Shop has supported Surfers Not Street Children for years, collecting old and unused surfboards, bodyboards and gear (flippers, wetsuits, clothing, etc) from the local community and gifting them to kids in the program.
Surfers Not Street Children has operated for almost 30 years. It helps underprivileged children in Durban centre grow meaningful skills and connections that empower them in the sea and on shore. Surfing is the heart and identity of the organisation which fuses the saltwater sport with mentorship and care to provide a better future for children who have otherwise had very little guidance in life.
Many of the kids enrolled into the program have gone on to find invaluable opportunities.
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One example of the programme’s success is Melokuhle Zotshana. Melo got to represent Team South Africa at the ISA World Junior Champs in Peru in December last year. A member of the programme since he was a young grom, surfing has changed everything for him.
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“The motto is to break the cycle of urban street living and to choose surfing and not drugs. This project has helped countless kids who had very little hope of a successful future to grow and become professional life guards, coffee baristas, restaurant and surfshop staff etc,” the surf shop shares.
Thanks to the community who donated their unwanted boards and a small business that cares, a sea of eager little surfers are stoked to hit the water!
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