Cyclist to ride across Africa for surf therapy programme

Observatory cyclist Adam Jacobs, 22, will pedal solo through Africa to raise funds for Waves for Change, a non-profit that offers surf therapy and mental health services to underprivileged children.

On Saturday July 6, scores of people gave Mr Jacobs a send-off from Bree Street in the City Bowl as he set off on his Chasing Adam cycle through 34 countries - a trip he expects will take him about two years to complete.

Mr Jacobs is hoping to raise more than R100 000 for Waves for Change, which runs programmes at Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Monwabisi beaches as well as in Gqeberha and East London.

“We all know someone, including ourselves, who has faced mental health battles. Some of us have even lost people to suicide in our circles,” said Mr Jacobs

Waves for Change’s Tania Majavie said they were honoured that Mr Jacobs had chosen them as the beneficiary.

“It costs around R10 000 per child for them to complete the full surf therapy programme and after-care service so R100 000 will benefit 10 children,” she said.

Each child in the programme would gain greater self confidence and learn how to “tackle life on life’s terms”, with benefits for their families and communities, she said.

Mr Jacobs said he looked forward to experiencing the beauty of Africa. “It is a round trip, and the finish line is exactly where the journey starts, inside the neighbourhood on Bree Street,” he said.

He will not be getting any roadside assistance along the way and will carry all his camping gear on his bicycle.

You can support his ride on givengain and follow @chasing_adam on Instagram and Facebook.