St Francis Surf Project

Despite what the name suggests, the St Francis Surf Project is not a social surf club, but a community outreach driven by two dedicated, and passionate young men who are bringing life empowerment to at-risk youth in the small informal community known as SeaVista – an area filled with social ills and very little positive recreational activities.

 Nigel Savel, YALI 2018 Alumni and founder of 9Miles Project (a Cape Town community development organisation) was introduced to St Francis Bay, and to Facility Coach, Ashwill (AJ) Jamaar, by Rachael McCall who founded Sonrise South Africa in the area.

 AJ was one of the only surfers in the area and, though only 19 years old at the time, was passionate about transforming youth just like Nigel had in Cape Town. AJ is therefore not only the Head Facility Coach but also the co-founder of the St Francis Surf Project along with Nigel

 Current projects :

There are currently 10 boys within the programme and it operates on weekends from a clubhouse at Main Beach in St Francis Bay. Each session comprises a life skill lesson, a shared meal, fitness, and surf training which is facilitated by coach AJ Jamaar, Nigel Savel (when he is in St Francis) or visiting volunteers.

A list of our needs :

Bar fridge

food sponsors (weekly meals)

Funding to permanently appoint Coach AJ Jamaar as Facility Coach.

Laptop and wifi dongle for Coach AJ

Computer and social media training for Coach

Surf instructor accreditation and driver's license.

Wetsuits, surfboards and towels for 10 boys

Branded uniforms e.g. board shorts, hoodie, T-shirts, caps/beanies and backpacks for 10 boys

Enlisting reading buddies to assist the students with literacy

Volunteers to drive children to youth activities on Friday nights

One of our students, Shane, said the project changed his life and taught him respect and honour because before he used to backchat his parents and wasn’t disciplined.

Contact person – Nigel Savel

Tel/Cell: 082 042 7701/ 082 997 8754

Physical Address: Main Beach, St Francis Bay

Banking details for those who may wish to donate 

Bank: Standard Bank

- Account Name : Nine Miles Project

- Account Number: 303134275

- Branch Code: 051001

- Account Type: Cheque

- Reference: Algoa Cares