The van was packed, surfboards secured, and hearts full of both nerves and anticipation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 13 young people and facilitators from 9Miles Project, this was more than just a road trip to a surf competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a journey toward possibility – far beyond the physical distance travelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their destination? The world-renowned surf capital of Jeffreys Bay for the Corona Cero Open J-Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their reality? Nine days of discovery, connection, courage – and moments they’ll never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9Miles Project is a non-profit organisation that was founded in Cape Town in 2013 by Nigel and Sher’Neil Savel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using surfing as a drawcard, 9Miles provides safe spaces and structured after-school programmes for impoverished and vulnerable children in marginalised coastal communities, and offers food aid, literacy and academic support, mentorship, job creation, skills development, and holistic support to at-risk youth and their communities in the areas of Cape Town, Elands Bay, and St Francis Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Danielle Paulsen, Programmes Manager at 9Miles Project,<\/strong> said, “For many of our kids, this was the first time they’d ever left Cape Town.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Some had never seen waves that size, let alone watched their surf heroes ride them in person. You could almost see their worlds expanding with every moment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each day brought something new: jumping castles and canal cruises, Spanish lessons by firelight, powerful devotions under the stars, spontaneous dance battles, and plenty of time in the surf at Boneyards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The group even earned a feature in Zigzag Magazine after being captured in their element by local surf photographer Mikey Venter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But beyond the activity, it was the shift that mattered most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We watched a boy arrive shy and withdrawn, unsure if he belonged,” shared mentor Shanna-Leigh Harris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “By the end of the trip, he was the first one in the water every day, grinning from ear to ear. That’s what this work is about – unlocking freedom and reminding them of their worth.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jeffreys Bay became a canvas for self-discovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A defining space where these young changemakers weren’t just visitors – they were leaders, dreamers, and voices in their own stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nigel Savel, Founder of 9Miles Project,<\/strong> said, “These moments help our youth see themselves differently.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “They realise their value. That their dreams are valid. That they’re allowed to take up space in places they never thought they belonged.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trip, like many of 9Miles’ youth development initiatives, was only possible thanks to a generous network of donors, sponsors, and supporters who believe in real, lasting impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Youth mentor Dan Lutumbu,<\/strong> said, “You didn’t just help fund transport or meals, you made space for healing. You helped change the way a young person sees the world – and themselves.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n As they return home to share what they’ve learned, one thing is clear: this was more than a surf trip. It was a seed planted. A perspective shifted. A chapter of hope written into each of their stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To support future youth journeys like this, or to become a donor, email info@9milesproject.org or contact 082 997 8754.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With excitement bubbling over, 13 young people from 9Miles Project prepared for a journey far more than competing in a surf 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