A Breakthrough Month for The Surfer Kids!

March was an incredibly eventful and rewarding month for The Surfer Kids Non-Profit. From standout performances at the Sea Harvest Western Cape Grommet Games to our best-ever result at the Rip Curl Grom Search in Port Alfred, this period marks a major step forward for our surfers. We couldn’t be prouder.

Sea Harvest Western Cape Grommet Games

On the 13th–14th of March, five surfers from our organisation represented the Eden Surf Riders Association at the 2026 Sea Harvest Grommet Games in Cape Town. For most of them, it was their first time competing at this event—and even their first trip to Cape Town.

Phumlisa after winning the U8 Boys Division.

The weekend was filled with excitement, learning, and new experiences. The Grommet Games has always been the first competition outside of Mossel Bay that our surfers attend. It’s an important milestone where they not only compete, but also build friendships, connect with surfers from different provinces and experience a broader surfing community. This year, we celebrated incredible results. Lihle Ngube secured 2nd place in the Boys U16 division and Phumlisa Madiavula was crowned the Western Cape Grommet Games U8 Boys Champion . At just 7 years old, Phumlisa showed remarkable courage and grit in the final. His performance is a true testament to his dedication and hard work, and we are excited to watch his journey unfold in the years ahead.

Rip Curl Grom Search – Port Alfred

From the 3rd–6th of April, our surfers travelled to Port Alfred for the Rip Curl Grom Search, where the country’s top junior surfers gathered at East Beach.

Over three days of high-level competition, our surfers were exposed to some of the best junior talent in South Africa. Despite small but contestable waves, the event delivered valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences.

Adding to the opportunity, professional surfer and South African national team surfer Avuyile Ndamase coached the team throughout the weekend, sharing insights that will benefit them far beyond this event. This year marked a historic milestone for The Surfer Kids at the Grom Search. Two U16 boys reached the quarter finals and Avethandwa Mosikare delivered an outstanding performance to claim 2nd place in the U12 Boys division. Avethandwa, fought back from behind in an emotional final to secure his podium finish.

More Than Just Results

The Rip Curl Grom Search is not a development event—it’s a pro junior competition, where the best young surfers in the country compete. While it’s just below the level of the national championships, it remains one of the most competitive platforms in South African junior surfing. We’ve achieved strong results at development events before, but this marks our first podium finish at a pro junior level. So what changed?

Alfonzo surfed his way to an equal 9th position.

It wasn’t just about improving physical surfing skills—our surfers have had that foundation for years. The real breakthrough came from mental preparation.

For township surfers, the challenge isn’t only the waves—it’s the environment. When they arrive at these events, they’re not just competing against other surfers, but against entire support systems that are far more established than anything they’ve experienced. That gap creates real pressure and intimidation, which can hold even the most talented surfers back. This time, something shifted. For the first time, we saw one of our surfers perform to their full potential under pressure—free from the weight of that intimidation.

Avethandwa in the U12 Boys final.

A New Era Begins

It has taken 15 years to understand what it truly takes to develop young surfers from our communities to this level. This moment feels like a turning point—a breakthrough that separates two different eras in our journey. There is still a long road ahead, and we have big goals for the future. But this moment matters.

It’s proof that the path we’ve been building works—and that our surfers are ready to take on the next level.

Avethandwa, 3rd from left.