Unstressed Surf School was founded in 2010 in the coastal village of Chintsa East on South Africa’s Wild Coast.
The project began in memory of a much-loved surfer known locally as “Unstressed Erik.” After his tragic death in a car accident, his partner chose to honour his life by sending funding back to Chintsa with a simple intention: to support local youth through surfing.
Out of that gesture of generosity, Unstressed Surf School was born.
Today, Erik’s spirit lives on in the program’s name and in the community that gathers on the beach each week.
Unstressed Surf School is a project of the Friends of Chintsa, a grassroots non-profit organisation established in 2008 to support social and environmental initiatives in the area.
Since its founding, Unstressed has been run primarily by volunteers from the local community — including educators, youth development practitioners, environmental leaders, and experienced surfers.
Together, they share a common belief: that the ocean can be a powerful space for learning, growth, and connection.
Surfing is the medium through which Unstressed works, but the program’s purpose extends far beyond learning to ride waves.
Each weekly session provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can:
The ocean offers both challenge and freedom, helping young surfers develop the self-belief needed to navigate life beyond the beach.
One of the defining features of Unstressed is its emphasis on long-term growth and leadership.
Young participants are encouraged to stay involved as they grow older, gradually taking on mentoring and leadership roles within the program. Several former participants have gone on to qualify as lifeguards, surf instructors, and swimming coaches.
Many continue to return to the beach to guide and support the next generation of surfers.
This cycle of mentorship ensures that the program remains rooted in the community and shaped by those who know it best.
Unstressed also fosters a strong connection between young people and their natural environment.
Participants take part in beach clean-ups and environmental awareness activities, learning to care for the coastline that provides them with so much joy and opportunity.
Through these experiences, young surfers develop a sense of responsibility not only for themselves but also for the environment around them.h.
Today, Unstressed continues to welcome a new generation of young surfers each year. With the support of donors and community partners, the program is working to strengthen its equipment base, expand training opportunities, and create pathways for youth to pursue careers in water safety, surfing, and related fields.
What began as a small community initiative has grown into a lasting program that continues to shape lives along the Wild Coast.
And every Saturday morning, as boards are carried down to the water and wetsuits are zipped up, the story continues.
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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