Surfpop for young professionals: a volunteer’s story

Surfpop attracts volunteers at different stages of life, from gap-year students to young professionals taking time away from work to contribute, explore new interests and reflect on their next steps.

One of our recent volunteers Bharti from the United States, aged 27, joined us after five years in corporate tech. Alongside learning to surf, she used her professional skills to develop and teach a coding curriculum for our children. Her experience captures what Surfpop can offer participants beyond the traditional gap year.

“Five years into my corporate tech job, I wanted to take time off to reflect on my future career while giving back. I contacted Surfpop and pitched the idea of a coding curriculum, which became a true win-win for both of us. From Monday to Thursday I volunteered in the surf and the class, and on Friday’s I taught the Surfpop children how to code.

Living in Muizenberg surrounded me with people who had built their lives around surfing, community and helping others. Seeing the dedication this required broadened my understanding of living intentionally and helped me reflect on my own path.

Learning to surf pushed me outside my comfort zone. With the coaches’ support, I learned to trust my skills despite my worries. Watching the children ride waves helped me understand how Surfpop gives them opportunities to overcome fear and discover their strength.

Teaching coding had its challenges, but the breakthroughs made every moment worthwhile. When the children realised they could create the technology they use, you could see the spark in their eyes. Watching them take pride in games they had built themselves showed me how coding, much like surfing, can give children a tangible sense of mastery.

Surfpop gave me an avenue to share my skills and reshaped how I view my own path. I left a piece of my heart in Cape Town.”