February in Full Swing at The Surfer Kids 🌊

The month of February has been filled with action, growth, and meaningful progress for the Surfer Kids Non-Profit Junior Surfers. At The Surfer Kids Non-Profit, our vision has always extended beyond simply teaching young people how to ride waves. While one of our long-term goals is to produce a South African National Junior Champion, our deeper mission is to build an organisation that instills long-term commitment through surfing. From the very beginning, we set out to create a safe and structured environment that keeps children off the streets, engages them in positive activities, and encourages healthy lifestyles. Through surfing, mentorship, and consistent support, we aim to help young people grow into responsible adults who make meaningful contributions to their families, their communities, and society as a whole.

All smiles on the road to Cape Town

After years of steady development, it is no surprise that many of our surfers are now performing at a highly competitive level. With skill comes opportunity, and in 2026 The Surfer Kids Non-Profit committed to taking eight junior surfers onto the South African Junior Surfing Tour. These young athletes will compete in four of the six events hosted across the country, collecting valuable ranking points that contribute toward eligibility for selection to the South African Junior Team and, ultimately, the chance to represent the country at the ISA World Junior Championships.

The first event of the tour took place in Cape Town at the O'Neill Cold Water Junior Classic. For many of our surfers, this marked their first appearance on the national stage. The competition was intense, the standard exceptionally high, and the Cape waters lived up to their reputation with icy conditions that tested both physical and mental resilience. Although the results were not what our team had hoped for, the experience proved invaluable. Competing at this level provided clarity on where improvements can be made and confirmed something equally important: our surfers have the talent and ability to compete among the best. With renewed focus and determination, the team is already preparing to return stronger at the next event. We are immensely proud of their courage and commitment.

Avethandwa Mosikare in Action

February also brought success beyond the surf. One of our dedicated coaches, Akhona Mabutho, continues to inspire both in and out of the water. A committed triathlete, Akhona previously competed in the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay, where he demonstrated significant promise. During the off-season, he intensified his training and focused carefully on his preparation and nutrition. On 22 February, his hard work paid off when he claimed victory at the Eden Triathlon Championships. This achievement earned him selection to the Eden Triathlon Team, and he will now compete at the 2026 SA Triathlon National Championships.

Pictured: Akhona on his run

Akhona's success embodies the values we strive to teach every day. It is one thing to encourage young people to work hard and remain disciplined; it is far more powerful for them to witness those principles in action. By leading through example, Akhona demonstrates what dedication, perseverance, and commitment can achieve. His accomplishment serves not only as a personal milestone but also as a source of motivation for every child within the SurferKids programme.

As 2026 unfolds, it has already delivered a mixture of victories, setbacks, and important lessons. Each competition, training session, and challenge strengthens the foundation we continue to build. We remain proud of how far our surfers and coaches have come and are confident that the future holds even greater achievements. With continued hard work and unwavering commitment, The Surfer Kids looks ahead to the months to come with optimism and determination.

Pictured: TSK Crew