MEET THE TEAM
MEET JIMEAL
Founder & Surf Instructor
Jimeal is the founder and face of Jbay surf house and most important: the surfinstructor for the kids! Jimeals endless ideas, enthousiasm and talent for working with the children are the driving force behind Jbay surf house.
The founding team got to know each other for the first time in September 2022 during a vacation in Jbay. Jimeal, who was a local surf instructor from Jeffreys Bay and knows the situation of the children like no other, talked about his personal story and how surfing changed his life. Inspired by his story and his enthousiasm, they decided to start Jbay surf house together.
MEET RACHEL
Founder & Director
In 2024, after the original local initiative came to an end and everyone involved stepped away. Jimael asked if Rachel wanted to take ownership, knowing she already had a strong bond with the community. She said yes, and from that moment on, she’s poured her heart into the project.
Rachel relaunched the initiative with new leadership, using her own funds and social media platform to buy a house that would become a permanent youth center for the community. She kept the original name, because that’s what the kids knew and trusted. With a clear mission and long-term vision, she is now building a safe, purpose-driven space rooted in youth, culture, and growth.
MEET CORINNA
Activities coördinator
Corinna works as an architect, yoga teacher and graphic designer. During a surf vacation in Jbay in 2022, she got inspired by the vision of Jbay Surf House and co-founded the project. Her dream is to see the kids believing in themselves and their ability to create their own lifes. As often as she can, she spends time with the kids, giving yoga classes, planning activities, having conversations and supporting them to go for their own dreams.
MEET OUR BOARD
Our board is made up of Elske, Rachel, and David John.
When Rachel took over the project, she stepped into something completely new. She didn’t have all the answers but what she did have was a deep commitment to the kids and the vision. So she reached out to the people she trusted most: her parents.
Elske and David immediately stepped in to support her and joined the board. Together, the three of them now lead the foundation with honesty, resilience, and a shared heart for the community.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Did you know all board and teamboard members are volunteers? A passion for children and a heart for Jbay brought us together.
The following team members make our team complete:
- Anika – volunteer coördinator
- Marit – meeting coördinator
- Lisa – social media
- Ruby – web designer
- Kristi – merchandise designer