Washing away apartheid’s toxic legacy with surf
For Apish and Noncedo, life in Cape Town’s Masiphumelele has been brutal and corruptive. With no formal police force, unemployment rates of 70-80%, and 23-28% of the population diagnosed with HIV, Apish and Noncedo have had their childhoods marred by violence and disorder.
However, thanks to Waves for Change – a new initiative bringing surfing to disadvantaged young people – they have finally found solace and escape through surfing. “From my own perspective, I’ve seen what is happening to the kids,” explains senior coach Apish. “Surfing takes away all the tension and sadness in their lives. It just gives them freedom. It feeds their souls, reconnecting them with nature.”
The project is re-writing the legacy of apartheid which, in the not so distant past, saw the beaches closed off to the black community as ‘whites-only’ areas. “Surfing gives us the freedom of movement, the freedom of expressing ourselves and has unlocked that potential for the young people,” Apish tells me. “We’ve embraced this new surf culture, showing there’s no black and white; just surfers.”
Having experienced for themselves the liberty offered by surfing, both Apish and Noncedo are now working hard to impart their knowledge, experience and surf skills to young children also struggling with life in Masiphumelele. “I am teaching them to grow up in life, and showing them that what tomorrow has to bring is positivity,” Noncedo tells me, reflecting on the power of surfing. “I am helping them to build a better future for themselves.”
“We focus on their wellbeing, coping skills, and how they can enhance their behaviour for the better,” beams Apish. “We show them how they can calm themselves down and cope better at home, combining surfing and life lessons.”
Follow Waves for Change on Facebook and Twitter.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Halloween in Brooklyn, photographed over 50 years
Spirits and soul — Larry Racioppo’s new book documents half a century of the October festivities in New York, while tracing the city’s ever-changing character.
Cruising on the West Side Piers, New York’s wild side
West Side Highway — In the late 20th century, the area was an if-you-know-you-know hotspot for the city’s gay scene. William Howell’s new photobook immortalises it.
Ahilya Bamroo is Gen Z India’s authentic ambassador
Reel relatable — The influencer turned actor speaks about trolls, beauty standards and youth activism.
What went down at Huck’s 20th birthday party
84 issues and counting — We took over east London’s Jaguar Shoes with friends old and new to celebrate two decades and our new issue, with Tony Bontana taking the decks for a special set.
Inside the Los Angeles scene kid revival
The Rawring ’20s — For the cover of Huck 84, photographer Alexis Gross and writer Anna Zanes meet the latest faces of scene, who are finding freedom to express themselves through its technicolour, unafraid aesthetic.
Introducing our new issue of Huck Magazine: It Starts With Us
Huck 84 — For our second 20th anniversary issue, we spotlight 20 people and groups providing the world with a hopeful future.
