Youth Surfing Program Transforms At-Risk Coastal Communities in 15 Countries

The Waves of Change program, launched in South Africa in 2019 and now operating in 15 countries, has taught 50,000 at-risk young people to surf — and in the process, dramatically improved their life outcomes. Participants receive free surfboards, wetsuits, and ocean-safety training alongside academic tutoring and career mentorship. In communities where the program has been active for at least two years, youth crime rates have dropped by an average of 40%.

"The ocean doesn't care where you come from or how much money your parents have," said founder Bongani Ndlovu, a former professional surfer from Durban. "Out there, everyone starts equal." The program has produced three professional surfers who now compete on the World Surf League circuit, and hundreds of graduates have gone on to university. The WSL recently committed $10 million in funding over five years to expand the initiative to island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean.

“Participants receive free surfboards, wetsuits, and ocean-safety training alongside academic tutoring and career mentorship.”