The local coordinator and team were amazing. The coordinator was warm, welcoming, and very organized. She made everyone feel right at home and handled any issue that came up. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a smooth experience.
Surf, Skate and Swim Volunteer Project in South Africa - Table View
Purpose
Improve wellbeing through physical activity
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who can swim well and want to help improve the lives of students from low-income communities through recreational activities. You can learn to surf and skate on this project if you need to.
Project details
Ready to get on board as a Surf, Skate and Swim volunteer in South Africa - Table View? International Volunteer HQ’s Surf, Skate and Swim project is an exciting way for volunteers to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children from disadvantaged communities. Volunteers gain experience in youth work and teaching while providing opportunities for students to learn valuable life skills and teamwork through surfing, skateboarding and swimming.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Surf, Skate & Swim Project offers fun, engaging activities with real impact for students from low-income communities. By keeping kids engaged after school and offering confidence-building experiences, volunteers play a vital role in bringing joy, structure, and support into the lives of vulnerable young people who often do not get to experience physical education.
As a Surf, Skate & Swim volunteer, you’ll help teach essential life skills and teamwork through not only surfing, skateboarding, and swimming but sports and games, challenges and cooking and computer lessons. You’ll guide students aged 10 to 15 - many of whom see this program as the highlight of their day. Participation is earned - students must attend school regularly, show good behavior in class, and stay committed to their studies. This creates a powerful incentive for academic engagement, supported by your encouragement and presence.
This project is run in the afternoons from Tuesday to Thursday, you can expect to spend mornings assisting in the Childcare project or having surf/skating lessons. You’ll get a surf lesson per week included in your program fee, and extra lessons can be arranged through our local team at an additional cost. All outdoor activities are weather-dependent, and you’ll take part in indoor activities or plan future activities if the weather isn’t suitable.
You should bring your own wetsuit with you, as the wetsuits on the project are given to the children first. If you don’t have one, you can buy one in Cape Town - if you don’t want to take it home with you, you can donate it to the project when you leave.
The Surf, Skate & Swim project is not available during the school holidays. If you apply for the Surf, Skate & Swim project during the school holidays, you will be switched to the Holiday Club project.
School Holidays:
- 28th June - 20th July 2025
- 4th October - 12th October 2025
- 10th December 2025 - 17th January 2026
Why do Surf, Skate and Swim volunteering in Table View with IVHQ?
When you volunteer to teach young people surfing, skating and swimming in South Africa - Table View you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Providing socially positive experiences for disadvantaged youth
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching and youth work experience
- Immersing yourself in South African culture
- Exploring South Africa’s beautiful beaches
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers must be a competent swimmer to take part.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
South Africa photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
Group of IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Holiday Club project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The program is based in Table View in Cape Town. Table View is about 30 minutes from Cape Town CBD and is where volunteer orientation and general administration is carried out by our local team as well as where the volunteer accommodation is situated. Projects are located in the Du Noon township, Wolwerivier settlement and Blouberg beach.
Arrival and orientation
Volunteers need to arrive in Cape Town on Saturday in order to complete the program orientation which will take place on Sunday afternoon. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Table View. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Saturday night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in South Africa prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up within the Cape Town CBD area on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is taken by our South Africa - Table View team in Table View. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in South Africa – an introduction to South Africa, South African customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in South Africa, introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day might be as follows:
| Morning | Make your own breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 12:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends between 12pm and 5pm depending on the project. After their project work ends, volunteers are free to relax at the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Please note Monday and Fridays are half days of volunteer work. On Monday afternoons there is a volunteer meeting and planning session for the week ahead, and Friday afternoons are free time.
Weekends
On the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Cape Town or other areas in South Africa. See unusual wildlife like antelope and penguins,visit the spot where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, paraglide off a rock high above the city or watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ocean with a glass of the region’s finest wine in your hand. Long weekends can be taken if volunteers wish to go on safari, or travel to places further afield, such as the Garden Route or Stellenbosch.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in South Africa? Check out our South Africa Travel & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in volunteer houses and can expect to share a room with one to nine other volunteers of the same gender.
The accommodation is safe and secure, located within a suburb near the communities where volunteers work. Living is comfortable and the volunteer houses have electricity (with occasional power outages) and running water with western toilets.
To ensure volunteer safety and commitment to volunteer placements, there is a curfew in place at the volunteer house of 11:00 PM. If you prefer a private room, couples room, or family room, accommodation upgrades can be arranged with our local team for an additional cost, but are subject to availability.
All volunteer houses have WiFi available which you are welcome to use.
It’s important to note that power outages (load-shedding) occurs very often in Cape Town. These can occur at any time of day and can sometimes last for up to 4 hours.
Meals
Volunteers in Table View receive three meals a day. Meals served in the volunteer house are typically Western-style and can be high in carbohydrates. Breakfast consists of self-prepared tea, coffee, toast, yoghurt, fruit and cereal.
Lunch is also self-prepared with food supplies in the volunteer house. This can range from sandwiches taken along to your placement, leftovers from the previous night’s dinner and salads.
Dinner is a cooked meal which gets delivered by a local catering company (Monday-Friday), the dinner can consist of dishes containing meat, vegetables and a starch, such as potatoes, bread or pasta. Dinner for Saturday and Sunday is self-serve like making pasta or salad.
Tap water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available in South Africa and volunteers should budget approximately US$10 (approximately CA$14) per week for this (2 liters per day). If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to cater for you.
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer house living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$430), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$430) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $405 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 2 weeks | $690 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 3 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,215 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,530 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,820 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,400 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,970 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,550 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,700 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 20 weeks | $5,860 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 24 weeks | $7,020 Equivalent to $42/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$430) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in South Africa generally find US$80 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Airport drop off
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit South Africa
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape Town (Legislative) |
| Population | 58.56 million |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tswana |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The subtropical location, moderated by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides of the country and the altitude of the central plateau, are responsible for the warm temperatures typical of South Africa. Across much of the country, summer (December to February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). Winter (May to September) is cooler and drier with evening temperatures averaging around 10 °C (50°F). In Cape Town, sporadic showers and chilly winds are common during the winter months, but with daytime temperatures can average around 15°C (59°F).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JB
Jonathan Buckingham
...
IE
Isabel Ewemade
It was a great experience where I made meaningful connections with other volunteers and the school I volunteered at. It helped me understand that I would like to continue volunteering back at home as well and continue giving back to those who need it.
...
GM
Grace Meadows
I gained a new perspective on life and I feel a sense of gratitude! I would advise anyone to jump on this opportunity if they are considering.
...
JT
Jake Tartaglia
The best part of my trip was exploring Cape Town with the other volunteers. Through helping the kids that are from a different culture, I could see what it’s like compared to how school was back home for me and kids in the USA.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Childcare in Cape Town, South Africa
Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
Teaching in Cape Town, South Africa
Sports Development in Cape Town, South Africa
Surf Outreach in Cape Town, South Africa
Animal Care in Cape Town, South Africa
Childcare in Table View, South Africa
Marine Conservation in Table View, South Africa
Holiday Club in Table View, South Africa
Sports Development in Table View, South Africa
