What started as a small surfing initiative has evolved into a holistic youth development programme, offering meals, education, mentorship and life-changing opportunities for coastal communities.
South Africa (06 January 2026) – What began as a small surf initiative more than a decade ago has grown into a powerful youth development movement changing lives along South Africa’s coastline.
Founded in 2013, the 9Miles Project started with a simple idea: to introduce children from informal coastal communities to surfing. But as the founders spent more time on the ground, something else emerged that was the needs of these young people, which went far beyond the ocean. Margot Carelse from 9Miles Project explains the growth.
“It started as a small surf project, but as we started working with the kids, our founders realised there couldn’t be somewhere to start a literacy programme. Then from there, the kids weren’t having meals at home, so we started a feeding programme.”
Today, the organisation serves around 700 meals a day and operates as a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation, using surfing as a central thread alongside literacy support, mentorship, education and safe spaces. The project currently runs across three hubs.
One of the organisation’s most impactful initiatives is the 100Wave Challenge, a community-driven fundraising surf event that returned impressive results in its inaugural year. In 2025, the event raised over R176,000, funds that played a crucial role in expanding the project’s footprint and impact.
“When we reflected during our annual report, we saw how much the project had grown because of this fundraising model.”
One major outcome was the ability to restart the St Francis Bay programme on a full-time basis, moving from just one or two sessions every few weeks to consistent, daily engagement.
Being fully operational also meant creating employment opportunities for older youth within the communities.
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“They came back with a new sense of enlightenment. They wanted to dream bigger.”
Now, attention turns to 2 May 2026, when the 100Wave Challenge returns to Strandfontein Pavilion.
While surfers will once again take on the physical challenge, the event is designed as a family-friendly community celebration, complete with children’s activities, ocean experiences and volunteer-led programmes.
With a new fundraising target of R250,000, the goal is to unlock even more opportunities, from mentorship and travel to real-world connections that can change a child’s future.
Margo recalls how a young participant, Tammy, met a partner through the event and was offered an internship after school.
“Kids get to see that people believe in them. That kind of confidence isn’t taught in schools, it’s taught through experience.”
For those considering supporting the initiative, Margo describes the event as something truly special.
“You think you’re just coming for a surf, and then you meet someone who changes your life’s trajectory.”
As the countdown to May 2026 begins, through waves, mentorship and community, 9Miles Project is helping young people see and reach horizons far.
Sources: GTG Interview
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