Overcoming trauma through surf is all in a day’s work for Small Steps Surfing

Using the ocean as a guide, Small Steps Surfing is helping to heal a generation of traumatised children through surfing.

As one of only 23 registered non-profit companies worldwide that offer the burgeoning science of surf therapy, Small Steps is on the cutting edge of sport as a healing force.

“So far we only take children aged 11-18 from Shaka’s Head, but we would love to expand our horizons to include different ages and areas,” said founder, Jurgen Jacobs.

Jacobs has always had a passion for giving back and after attending a Waves for Change seminar in 2020, saw the perfect way to do so.

“Some of the situations these children encounter are very traumatic. Cases of gangsterism, violence and broken households all have a measurable impact that we try to help them overcome.”

Although teaching the kids to surf is the core of the programme, on shore breathing and teambuilding exercises also aid the cause.

Jacobs and operations manager, Josh Chaplin, hope this will have an impact outside of the weekly sessions.

“We believe its important to fulfil a big brother role, where we can offer advice and be available to help with questions of ethics and morals,” said Chaplin.

“An intervention at the right time can have a huge impact on a child’s life, particularly at such a formative age.”

Small Steps have also endeavoured to offer employment where possible to graduates.

Head coach Thobani Thulsi is evidence of this.

Small Steps have also unearthed some legitimate surfing talent.

“Some of the guys have been on a board for less than a year and are already surfing as well as me,” said Chaplin, who is also one of the coaches.

Funding is now the only obstacle limiting growth.

To run the programme costs R107 per participant per session, with transport and food costs included.

You can sponsor a session or an entire six-month schedule by visiting the Small Steps website – smallstepssurfing.com.