On the Wild Coast of South Africa the ocean is not only a place to surf, but also a place to grow.
The Unstressed Surf School in Chintsa East is a community-led youth development initiative that uses surfing, mentorship, and ocean awareness to build confidence, resilience, and opportunity among young people.
Every Saturday morning, local children and teenagers gather on the beach to surf, swim, learn, and support one another. What begins as time in the water becomes something much deeper – a sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility.
The Unstressed Surf School was born from an act of generosity and remembrance.
Fifteen years ago, a much-loved surfer known locally as “Unstressed Erik” tragically lost his life in a car accident. His partner, who survived the crash, later sent funding back to Chintsa to honour his memory by supporting local youth through surfing.
From that gesture, the Unstressed Surf School was created.
Today Erik’s name lives on through the energy and laughter of the young surfers who participate in the program.
Many young people in Chintsa grow up facing limited opportunities, high levels of poverty, and few safe recreational spaces.
Unstressed provides a structured and supportive environment where youth can:
The ocean becomes both classroom and playground, a place where young people can discover their strengths and imagine new possibilities for their future.
While surfing is at the heart of the program, Unstressed focuses on developing the whole person.
Our sessions combine physical activity, mentorship, environmental awareness, and life skills development. Over time, many of our young surfers grow into leadership roles, helping to mentor the next generation.
Since the program began, Unstressed has supported young people who have gone on to become:
These journeys demonstrate the power of consistent support, opportunity, and belief.
Unstressed is deeply rooted in the Chintsa community.
The program is run by a team of local volunteers, educators, youth development practitioners, and trained water safety professionals. Many former participants continue to return to the beach to mentor younger surfers.
Our surfers also play an active role in caring for the coastline through beach clean-ups and environmental awareness initiatives.
Unstressed does not operate outside the community, it belongs to it.
Today, around twenty young surfers participate in weekly sessions. As they develop their skills and confidence in the water, they also begin to see new possibilities for their futures.
Older participants are encouraged to pursue further training in areas such as lifeguarding, surf instruction, and water safety. In this way, the program creates a pathway from participation to leadership.
The cycle continues as those who once arrived as beginners return as mentors and role models.
The Unstressed Surf School is a volunteer-driven initiative and relies on the support of donors and community partners to continue its work.
Support helps provide:
Every contribution helps ensure that the beach remains a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
By supporting Unstressed Surf School, you become part of a community effort to nurture confidence, leadership, and opportunity through the power of the ocean.
Together, we can help ensure that the next generation of Chintsa youth grows up connected to their environment, their community, and their potential.
Friends of Chintsa:
Is a registered non-profit organisation (088-760 NPO)
Is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 93 00 55 764) and is therefore able to issue Section 18(A) receipts to facilitate tax deductions in the hands of the donors.
Has a 100% B-BBEE rating in the Social Responsibility Category.
Income Tax No.: 9143529189
VAT No.: 4180260798
Income Tax No: 9143529189 | VAT No.: 4180260798
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