Riding Waves of Progress: A Year in Review with The Surfer Kids
- magusha1
- Dec 18
- 4 min read
What began as a grassroots initiative 15 years ago continues to gain real momentum and this year reminded us why we do what we do.This past year has been one for the books at The Surfer Kids. From local beach breaks along the Garden Route to the world-famous waves of Jeffreys Bay, we’ve watched our young surfers grow,not only in their surfing, but in confidence, discipline, and belief in what’s possible.
From the Garden Route to Jeffreys Bay
One of the standout moments of the year came in July, when 14 Surfer Kids traveled to Jeffreys Bay, one of the most iconic surf destinations in the world. For many, it was their first time experiencing J-Bay—not just as spectators, but as competitors.Before the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, our surfers competed in the Steven Jeggels Invitational at Kitchen Windows. Named after one of South Africa’s true surfing legends, the event carries deep meaning and history, making it an honour for our kids to be part of it and
they rose to the occasion.Three Surfer Kids reached the U14 final, finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and one surfer reached the U16 final, securing an impressive 3rd place.
After competing, our surfers had the unforgettable opportunity to witness the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, a stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Seeing the world’s best surfers charge the legendary right-hand point break of Supertubes was pure inspiration. The beach buzzed with excitement as our kids collected autographs, took photos with their heroes, and dreamed big. Moments like these turn ambition into belief.
Surf Series: Building Local Pathways
The Surfer Kids Surf Series continues to play a crucial role in developing local talent across the Eden District.The third event, powered by Bitcoin eKasi, brought junior surfers together despite challenging weather. With limited competitions in our region, events like these are essential, offering experience, exposure, and confidence for young surfers preparing for national stages.
In true Surfer Kids style, winners received their prizes in Bitcoin sats, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, education, and building a Bitcoin circular economy within our community.The fourth event, held in Mossel Bay, drew over 40 competitors and showcased the rising standard of surfing in the Eden District. Inam Falteni who is part of our programme won the Boys U16 division with powerful, consistent surfing.These competitions are about more than trophies, they build community, resilience, and pathways for young surfers.
A Historic Year for The Surfer Kids
This year marked a major milestone in our journey. For the first time in The Surfer Kids history, four surfers were selected for the Eden Junior Team and competed at the SA Junior Championships in Jeffreys Bay. Even more special, all four of our surfers advanced to Round 2,another first for our program and a moment of immense pride.The progress is undeniable, the surfing is improving and the belief is growing.
Leading From the Front: Akhona's Mossel Bay 70.3 Journey
Growth isn’t only measured in results, it’s also reflected in leadership.
Senior coach and lifesaving instructor Akhona “The Orange Rocket” Mabuto took on one of South Africa’s toughest endurance challenges: the Mossel Bay 70.3 Ironman.The course is no gentle test. Athletes face a 1.9km ocean swim, a 90km bike ride climbing into the Outeniqua Mountains, and a demanding 21.1km coastal run under the Garden Route sun. With over 2,500 athletes from around the world, the event turned Mossel Bay into a global stage of endurance and community.
Mabuto delivered a strong performance, overcoming mechanical issues on the bike that cost him valuable time. Even so, his performance marked a massive leap forward, improving by 59 minutes from his 2024 debut and jumping from 638th to 156th overall.For Mabuto, the race was about far more than personal achievement. As a senior coach with The Surfer Kids and Bitcoin eKasi, his athletic journey reflects a deeper mission: showing young people that discipline, resilience, and belief can open doors far beyond their circumstances.
More Than Just Surfing
This year was about more than waves and competitions. It was about exposure, inspiration, discipline, and dreams.Our kids returned home from trips with sand in their bags, salt in their hair, and stars in their eyes. They saw what’s possible when opportunity meets commitment and they’re hungry for more. As we look ahead to another year of growth, one thing is clear: the future of The Surfer Kids is bright.
As the year comes to a close, we want to thank every supporter, sponsor, partner, coach, volunteer, and friend who has walked this journey with us. Your belief and support make these moments possible.We wish you and your families a joyful Christmas filled with rest, laughter, and time together. May the holiday season bring peace, gratitude, and renewed hope. As we step into the New Year, we’re excited for what’s ahead, more waves, more growth, and more opportunities for our young surfers to chase their dreams.Enjoy the holidays, stay safe, and we’ll see you in the water in the New Year. 🎄
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