The Surfer Kids: Inam Falteni Selected for SA Junior Squad After Impressive Ballito Quarterfinal Run
In a standout month of opportunity, The Surfer Kids non-profit has celebrated major milestones for its young athletes. Most notably, Inam Falteni earned selection as a non-travelling reserve for the South African Junior Squad ahead of the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships later this year.
The Mossel Bay-based organisation, founded in 2010 to empower marginalized youths through surfing, continues to deliver life-changing opportunities both in the water and beyond.
Inam Falteni’s Breakthrough on the National Stage
Inam Falteni has been a dedicated member of The Surfer Kids programme for several years. His hard work, focus, and commitment paid off with selection to the South African Junior Squad reserve list, a significant achievement that places him among the country’s top junior surfers.
Following his selection, Inam attended the South African Junior Squad High Performance Training Camp in Ballito. He trained under world-class coaches, surfed in challenging conditions, and developed alongside South Africa’s best young talent.
He then competed in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers in Ballito, advancing to the quarterfinals in the U16 Boys division. Although the result didn’t go his way in the quarters, the experience proved invaluable for his long-term development.
“The result didn’t go Inam’s favour in yesterday’s U16 Boys Quarter Finals, but we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved. His dedication, focus and commitment have been incredible throughout this journey. Representing himself, our programme and our community on this stage is something to be proud of.” — The Surfer Kids.
Inam and the team have now returned to Mossel Bay with renewed focus on training and applying everything learned on the trip.
Local Surf Series Delivers Community Impact in Mossel Bay
While national opportunities unfolded, The Surfer Kids continued their grassroots work at home. The third Surfer Kids Surf Series event took place at The Point in Mossel Bay, giving young surfers valuable competitive experience.
For many participants, especially in the younger age groups, it marked their first time competing. The events teach discipline, resilience, sportsmanship, and confidence that extend far beyond surfing.
The series helps athletes track their progress and deepens their passion for the sport, with strong support from volunteers and the Eden Surf Riders Association.
Education and Holistic Development Through Bitcoin Ekasi Partnership
The Surfer Kids’ work extends well beyond the waves. In partnership with Bitcoin Ekasi, the organisation delivers educational programmes focused on critical thinking, financial literacy, and personal growth.
A recent community event at T.M. Ndanda Primary School Hall featured indigenous games, interactive learning, and a Bitcoin-themed Spelling Bee. The event helped recruit the next cohort for the My First Bitcoin Diploma, which begins in August.
Bitcoin Ekasi continues to share its successful grassroots model internationally.
What’s Next for The Surfer Kids?
The organisation has more exciting plans ahead, including a training camp in Jeffreys Bay and participation in upcoming South African Junior Tour events.
Children join The Surfer Kids with a surfboard but leave with confidence, discipline, friendships, purpose, and expanded future opportunities.
Supported by coaches, volunteers, donors, partners including Bitcoin Ekasi and Unravel Surf, parents, and the wider community, the non-profit continues changing lives one wave at a time.
