On Saturday, 9 May 2026, 9Miles Project hosted its 2nd Annual 100Wave Challenge at Muizenberg Beach, transforming the beachfront into a powerful celebration of community, resilience, and collective impact.
Inspired by a global movement that originated in California, the 100Wave Challenge invites participants to surf 100 waves in a single day while raising funds in support of vulnerable youth. This year’s event brought together surfers, volunteers, families, sponsors, and community partners with one shared purpose: creating spaces of hope, belonging, and opportunity for young people in underserved coastal communities.
Despite challenging ocean conditions, participants showed incredible determination from sunrise to sunset, turning the day into far more than a surfing event. It became a reflection of what is possible when communities unite around a shared vision for change.
“Changing a child’s life cannot happen in isolation… it takes a village,” said Nigel Savel. “Real impact happens when communities come together and take collective action with a shared purpose to create safe spaces that ignite opportunity. That is the heart behind the 100Wave Challenge.”
The beachfront came alive with activities designed to bring people together both on and off the beach. Families and supporters enjoyed art activities, drumming circles, lawn games, beach clean-ups, and a sandcastle building competition led by Ocean Pledge. Children were also treated to a special appearance by Gizmo from CBN Southern Africa’s Superbook programme.
One of the most significant milestones of the day was surpassing the fundraising target. With an initial goal of R250,000, the 2026 100Wave Challenge raised an incredible R282,590 in support of 9Miles Project’s youth development programmes.
Funds raised will directly support surf therapy, mentorship, educational support, life-skills development, and safe recreational spaces for children and youth across 9Miles Project communities.
“This year reminded us that progress is not made in perfect conditions,” said Sher’Neil Savel. “It is made when people keep showing up, even when it’s tough, because someone else’s future depends on it.”
As the sun set over Muizenberg Beach, the event once again demonstrated the power of recreation, community, and shared purpose to create meaningful and lasting change.
About 9Miles Project
9Miles Project is a nonprofit organisation that was founded in Cape Town in 2013 by Nigel and Sher’Neil Savel. Using surfing as a drawcard, 9Miles provides safe spaces and structured afterschool 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 In South Africa. With headquarters at Strandfontein Pavilion, Cape Town, the organisation is a haven and refuge for kids who have very few resources, and even fewer positive role models in their lives. The 100Wave Challenge aims to foster community engagement, celebrate the spirit of surfing, and generate essential funds to support our youth and community programmes. We believe this initiative will not only raise awareness for our cause but also inspire participants and supporters to embrace the values of perseverance, community, and giving back by making a lasting impact in our communities.
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