During our time in South Africa, as passionate believers in conservation and environmental issues, we became involved in a number of various projects including local beach clean-up operations.
The first was at Saldanha, with Extreme Abilities (EA) and other local businesses. Youths from the local informal settlements were brought in to help and learn about the impact our plastic and general rubbish has on the environment, with the team who collected the most rubbish receiving a surf lesson from our good friend Dries Millard, a surf champion in the prone position.
At Muizenberg, the beach clean-ups were with Projects Abroad SA together with youths from informal settlements on their programs, which they carried out every month. Shuan, the project manager at PASA commented on how important activities like these are, and teaches the kids that “If they look after the ocean, it will give them waves” – what better incentive for aspiring surfers!?
The focus on sponsoring the Seadog’s board riding team was to give youths from all backgrounds support in achieving their goals as next generation surfers, and was made up of talented individuals who had a passion for the sport and cared about the environment.
In addition to the various Seadog Sport SA community and environmental projects we were involved in a collaborative innovative initiative with SA Plastics, installing 400+ plastic recycling pipe bins across the length of the SA coast, from blue flag beaches to more rural areas.
A third project was a close collaboration with the Cape Town based charity U-Turn Homeless Ministry, working closely with clients from their 1.5 stage who were post rehabilitation, building on their drink and drug sobriety, and helping in key skill development by teaching skills such as sewing, labelling and packing products. In return for clients participation, Seadog acquired funding, donations and sponsorships for the charity who provide food, clothing and counselling for clients on the program.
This is just the beginning, and our aim is to continue this work in all countries we visit though the growth of Seadog into the Podi programme.
