Gangbusters Surfing Magazine Issue 2 by Gangbusters Surfing Magazine

s t n e cont 08.

THE INSIDE TRACK Craig Jarvis 24.

on the move

Mat surf board shaper & Noah brand owner 32.

photo feature Nic Bothma 45.

shaun Tomson at the Bay 50.

new talent

Ntokozo’ Surprise’ Maphumulo & Brian Furcy 57.

clean lines

the inside t r ac k

angbusters... what?

Gangbusters Magazine is is a short, jaunty online take on what’s happening in South African surfing. The word itself – Gangbusters - was used by Bruce Brown from Endless Summer fame to describe firing surf. Check it out on Endless Summer 2 at 20:40

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why? Our

when? The

where? We

who? This

little tribe down here on the tip of Africa needs to have a voice. When that voice comes out, it needs to tell it like it is, ekse. are focused on South African surfers and South African waves, but we will cover any surfer riding any wave on our planet. On any equipment. Yep.

mag comes out monthly. We try to bring it out on the first day of every month, but that’s not going to happen all the time, due to dramas, loadshedding, lockdowns, hangovers, and unexpected swells. magazine is dedicated to everyone who loves surfing. Maybe you’re good at it, maybe you’re super shit at it, maybe you’re psyched, or maybe you don’t paddle out much at all. It’s all cool, as long as you love surfing.

s r e t t l e h e e d i to r

to t h Hi Craig

Hope you are well, and I very much hope that Gangbusters is both fun and profitable. Loan me $ 30 mill so I can buy SURFER and let’s compare notes! Matt Warshaw. EOS

Hi Jarvi, Great to see you carving your own line in the surf media world with Gangbusters. Wishing you well. Shaun Tomson

Hey Jarvi, F%&king hell. ioNoutsly? you again. Ser Captain Man 12

Hi Cool story on Stevan Rice. There are so many underground chargers in South Africa who never ever get a mention, anywhere. Thanks for keeping it real. Frik

THE EDITOR Hi Ja rv i

Th an ks fo r pu bl is hi ng th at ar ti cl e on th e We st Co as t mi ni ng bu ll sh it . Wh at a ge mo rs . Th e mo re in fo rm at io n ab ou t th at di sa st er th e be tt er . Fa rm er Bu rg er

SUCH A COOL PHOTO SPREAD FROM DAVE LINDEMANN. NICE TO SEE SOME DIFFERENT ANGLES, DIFFERENT SURFERS, AND SOME EPIC BARRELS. KUDOS TO LAUNCHIE FOR ALL THOSE EPIC SHOTS. MICHAEL 13

S W E N SURF All Adverts Are Clickable Portals Please remember that all adverts in Gangbusters magazine are clickable. Those ads are all portals to a whole new surfing universe. On the other side of those adverts are company websites, massive sales, surfer profiles, surf stories, surfing videos, bikinis, boardshorts, and other funky stuff. There might even be some giveaways, and we all love a giveaway. Also, remember that by clicking an ad, you are also supporting this magazine. We need to support the 16

brands who trust us to carry their ads and be a voice of surfing in South Africa. If we all support each other, we can all work together towards having our sport prosper and flourish again. We all need a bit of love and cigarettes in these challenging times.

Some might say that sunshine follows thunder. Talking about clicks, you can also follow the growing Gangbusters social media presence over here, watch a few funny little TikTok videos here, and check out our sister publication, The West Wind, over here. © NICBOTHMA

Lelo Fica, Durban Grom games. PHOTO © DAVE LINDEMANN

Grommet Games

It was great to see surfing in South Africa kick off with the Grommet Games, held in Gqeberha, Durban and a week later in Cape Town. Grom Games are like a window to the future of the sport in our country, and while the contests had to be split up into three venues, all three events were run off to great success.

Lily Heny - U14 Girls Champion in Sea Harvest Eastern Cape Grommet Games PHOTO © PETRONEL POSTHUMUS

NMBS Trial 1

After that, the Nelson Mandela Bay Surfriders Trail 1, the first in a long time, took place at Kitchen Windows towards the end of March. Probably going to have to rename that to Gqeberha Surfriders at some stage. Pretty average conditions and most of the usual suspects getting good results, but a lekker vibe on the beach as everyone embraced the feel of having a contest again. Thanks to Peanut Butter Max for throwing in those cool sugar-free chocolate bars for all the contestants.

Durban Fires

A quick check-in with Spider Murphy at the end of March, and Spin told us of firing surf in Durban during the month. “Good waves, with such perfect banks at New Pier, and some excellent surfing going down.” There have also been people talking about Luke Thompson’s recent performances at New Pier and other such places. Apparently, he has been on fire. Joshua Jefferis has also been turning heads as he continues to improve, working on his surfing with the High Performance Surfing Academy under coach Chad Du Toit. More on the HPSA here.

Durban fires - Josh Jefferis PHOTO © DAVE LINDEMANN

Shaun Tomson and Wendy Botha Honoured The WSL Africa Men’s and Women’s titles will carry Tomson and Botha’s name after Tomson’s title in 1977. Botha won the title four times in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1992.“This is such a huge honour, and I am extremely proud to have my name on this trophy,” said Botha. “Women’s surfing in South Africa and around the world has come so far, and it’s so exciting to follow that it makes my heart soar. To all

the future SA Women’s Champions who hold this trophy high, I wish that all your dreams come true like they did for me so many years ago!” The Junior men’s and women’s trophies will feature lion cubs. They will honour former SA Junior Champions Jordy Smith and Heather Clark. Smith and Clark both won multiple SA titles and have inspired many youngsters to pursue their surfing dreams of competing at the top level.

World Surf League Is On

By the time you read this, the World Surf League would have started again in the truncated restart to a tour smashed to pieces by COVID. Starting off in Newcastle before heading off to Narrabeen, Margaret River and Rottnest Island. All eyes on Matt McGillivray, who might finally get the chance to find some rhythm to his very disjointed rookie year. Jordy Smith will be helping him along the way.

Newcastle Lineup PHOTO © WSL_BENNET

contributions

If you have anything you want to be published, or you have some ideas, a photo or a gripe, or just want to hit us up with the news of a contest or anything, feel free to hit us back. Editor: craig@truthcollective.co.za Designer: design@oceanpeakdesign.co.za

e v o m e h t on

MAT

surfboards shaper Name:

Home break: ST’rand.

Age: 40.

Favourite wave: Ujung

Mat Marais.

Started surfing: When I

was knee-high. My dad was a surfer and still is at age 70. It looked and felt right to ride waves, and I never looked back. 24

Boccor.

Favourite board: 5.11 x 19.25 x 2.5 swallow tail Passionpop.

Favourite step-up board:

6.2 x 19 x 2.5 round pin for 5 to 10 ft

Indo waves.

Career choice: Growing up, I surfed on so many shapers boards from all over SA and overseas. My whole family surfs, so shaping just

made it easier for us to test and ride and experiment with what we wanted. The best part of the surf industry: Meeting people and making boards for many different people. Being friends with other great shapers in South Africa and abroad and sharing

MAT Surfboards the name:

My nickname at school was MAT, as in carpet. My full bush of hair would never get wet through a duck dive. The name stuck, and my wife reckoned it’ll be a good brand and name for a surfboard company. Always listen to your wife for good advice.

Seven years of incredible growth: I

started on two barstools and mowing foam about 12 years back. Next was a Wendy house in the back of my garden. We then moved to our first small factory, and two years later we moved into our current factory. We have two CNC machines and a fullon in-house glass, repair and retail outlet. My wife Jen is 26

our spray artist, and my dad works there, running production/ materials etc. Good vibes at the factory with top laminators and sanders and local ripper Henco Scholts running my CNC work. We supply many countries as well as most coastal towns in SA. Surfboards and surfing is my passion.

Life motto: Respect is earned

oah

brand owner Name: Stephen Price.

Age: 4T something Started surfing: 25 Home break: New Pier / Wedge.

Favourite break: Geger Nusa Dua. Local – Kelso.

Favourite board: DGS,

Flying Disc, 6’4”, wide with plenty of volume.

Favourite step-up board:

DGS, V8, 6’6”, not as wide but still plenty of volume. 28

First surf job: Graphic

designer for Island Style.

From there: Island

Style to Rusty to Quiksilver.

Other surf industry jobs:

Warehouse packer, delivery man, coffee boy, co-ordinator, graphics, merchandiser, designer, buyer, sales, planner, production. Good to have the insides on how the industry turns.

Best surf industry moments: Travel for

sure. It has its drawbacks, but my word, the pros far outweigh the cons. Having first-hand experience watching the industry grow, boil and party was pretty exciting. There is nothing better than being in the same room with the creators and innovators of some of the industry’s most powerful brands. The working sessions were incredible.

Noah origins: Honestly,

I came from farming to an art degree, digital animation, and then clothing. Looking back, there seems to be a natural progression to creativity. Since I can remember, I have had a burning passion for creating through the years of learning, working, watching the industry and the brands build dreams. I was growing hungry to do my own thing. I decided it was time. Let’s go, let’s do this.

Goals and dreams for Noah: To have everyone look for their favourite, comfortable Noah garment when they open their cupboard. I page through my shirts in the morning and find my Noah tee. Puts a smile on my face every time. Weird, but fun. Life motto: Every little thing is going to be alright.

p h o to e r u t a fe

Bothma

Nic has been working as a photojournalist and surf photographer for the past 30 years, 18 of those as the Africa chief photographer for global news agency European Pressphoto Agency (EPA). With surf photography he has sailed around the world photographing and is drawn to the big wave scene as the coal face of extreme surfing. He has documented the brutal civil war in Liberia and many other African and global conflicts. Passionate about the environment he now seeks to focus on this area of photojournalism and tell the important stories we need to see and act upon to save humanity.

Jake Kolnik about to get drilled at Dungeons 21 August 2011. Jake is one of the hardest charging big wave surfers

and as our trusty boat skipper Grant Spooner always puts it: “If you wanna dance, you gotto pay the band!”

More than 200 surfers paddle out prior to setting a new Guinness World Record for the “Most surfers standing on one wave” at Muizenberg Corner, Cape Town South Africa Sunday 17 September 2006. After several attempts the record was broken by 73 surfers riding the same wave.

the atlantic awakes

Andy Marr on one of the biggest waves i have ever seen at Dungeons, 24 July 2007.

sunset

A perfect wave breaks on the Cape Town outer reef on Sunday 30/8/1998. 37

ghost ship

Unknown long boarder, Inner Kom.

Transkei 1997

1997 ,Line-up of a cooking right hand point. The swell was massive this day.

This picture was taken in Liberia LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy) rebel observed a ceasefire at the ‘New Bridge’ next to a bullet riddled house and car in Monrovia, Liberia 06 August 2003

Senegal senegal

an Almadie Peninsula local cuts loose on right hand bowl, 2005.

Eli Beukes

getting shacked at Cape Point in Cape Town, South Africa, 18 March 2020. Just as lockdown hit us

n u a h S n o s m o T e Bbay h

AMPI H C D L R O 1977 W M O R F CODE. CT S A ’ R R T E X F E R AN OOK, SU B THIS IS S ’ N O TOMS SHAUN

Aat Tt h

he setting is a 10ft south swell... at the Bay Of Plenty in Durban in 1978. Shaun has a 7’7 board. … As I sat on the sand and watched wave after wave pound the shore, I honestly did not think the swell could be surfed. The waves were simply coming in too fast and breaking in too shallow of water. If I committed to the wrong wave, I would get driven headfirst into that sand bar. 45

But if I picked the right wave. … As soon as the rip pulled me beyond the jetty, I began to prowl the impact zone. I paddled for a wave, then backed off. … I paddled for another, backed off again. It was extremely frustrating. I had so much adrenaline pumping through 46

my body. I wanted to catch a wave, but I had to consider the possibility that I had been right after all, and the swell simply could not be surfed. TO HELL WITH IT, I said finally, and I kicked into a big one. …At this extreme low tide, a lot of sand was sucking up the wave face.

As I cranked my turn on the bottom and looked down the line, I thought I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.

The wave looked like a sand cavern, only it was moving fast, and now closing down on top of me, I had one line on that wave and one line only. …It grew dark inside. I saw an eye of light at the end flashing open and closed, giving me hope, now shutting it down. I remember focusing on that tiny portal as it telescoped farther and farther away from me. I was falling, at that point, farther and farther back from the light, getting sucked back into the

tunnel, and I thought, I’m not going to make it now. I’m too far back. The section of the wave ahead was walled up as far as I could see—no chance of escape at all. … Many surfers will tell you that at certain times in the tube, at critical high speeds, they experience the sensation of the wave moving in slow motion. The body is reacting to danger. … The result is that you feel like you have all the time in the world to adjust your stance, dodge the lip, shift your weight forward or backwards, carve up and down the wall, anything that allows you to maintain your line and keep from getting crushed.

The sensation is as palpable as a clenched fist. 47

… Suddenly I heard the wave explode behind me. All this scud flew past — I felt it drive into my body like a gale — and it blew with such force that it actually lifted the board right off the water and me with it. My board and I were flying along entirely out of the water now, inside the barrel, carried along by this blast of supercompressed air … Suddenly the board dropped back down

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onto the surface of the water and I came flying out of the barrel into daylight. No spectators were screaming on the beach. No voices droned point totals over the PA system or camera shutters clicking away. I heard only the sound of the wind. And as I drifted over the shoulder, I looked back down to where I might have been. How thin that line is between doubt and imagination…

t n e l a new t NDD U UPP AAN N N O O S S E E L I L OFF I NII PPRRO M MIIN RRFFEERRSS U U S S G G N I N MI OM CCO

Ntokozo ’Surprise ’

Maphumulo My name is Ntokozo’ Surprise’ Maphumulo, and I have been surfing for five years. My Favourite board is a Channel Islands Fever squash tail, 5’3. My all-time surf hero is Italo Ferreira. He’s the world champion. My surfing dream is to surf the best waves in the world. In five years, I see myself compet50

ing against the best surfers in the world. My favourite South African surfer is Jordy Smith.

For me, the best thing about surfing is competing.

the wave explode behind me. All this scud flew past — I felt it drive into my body like a gale — and it blew with such force that it actually lifted the board right off the water and me with it. My board and I were flying along entirely out of the water now, inside the barrel, carried along by this blast of supercompressed air … Suddenly the board dropped back down onto the surface

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t n e l a t w e n NDD U UPP AAN N N O O S S E E L I L OFF I NII PPRRO M MIIN RRFFEERRSS U U S S G G N I N MI OM CCO

rian Furcy

My name is Brian Furcy. I am 27 from Mauritius, a Native of Tamarin Bay. I started surfing at 11. I love to ride my BILT surfboards. They match my surfing and ride perfectly -5’10 x 18 1/2 x 2 5/16 x 25L. My heroes are Greg Pearson and Jason Ribbink. They have done so much for the surfing community.

My dream in surfing is that I will be able to have a wild card for the WSL J-Bay open one day. In five years, I dream of qualifying for the world tour and representing my country in the future Olympics.

My favourite South African surfers are Jordy Smith, Chad Du Toit, Davey Weare and Davey Van Zyl.

The best thing about surfing is a sport that kept me from falling into the wrong path, away from the drugs that unfortunately wreak havoc on our island. © MAXWELL GIFTED

f r u S r e m m Su ts

ty Presen

is Nick Chr

22002211

St Francis Videographer Nick Christy has a teaser clip out. Thirty seconds of high action from the St Francis area, called Summer Surf 2021. Check out Simon, Billy, Nicky, Matt, Tao, Makai and Nate. 26

s e n i L Clean

THE COASTAL DAWN PATROLS ARE IN FULL SWING AS THE SEASONS CHANGE. THE FATBOY E-BIKES ARE READY.

E H E R E W. W E G A T H E P T T H E H E AT DISH OU

The big question everyone has is, ‘Is Ballito and JBay on this year?’ The WSL website shows Ballito as TENTATIVE and JBay as UPCOMING. We heard that both events are most definitely OFF, but we are often WRONG. Kanoa Igarashi © WSL/CESTARI

Talking about South African events, the Rip Curl EPro is on for 2021, but first the Surf Web Series World Final. South Africa has 8 surfers through 64

to the World Final. They are last year’s winners Dale Staples and Sophie Bell, runners up Shane Sykes and Zoe Steyn, and semifinalists Chad

Du Toit, Josh Redman, Ceara Knight and Faye Zoetmulder. The Rip Curl EPro will be the same format as last year, so start getting your clips together. Prize-money could be bigger than last year, when Ducky nabbed R10k for the win as well as R10k for the Red Bull Best Tube award. The money went straight to the nappy fund.

After watching the recent Formula 1 docuseries Drive To Survive on NetFlix, we realized how removed the World Surf League is from documenting our sport with any realism. Drive To Survive deals with the personalities, egos, teams, dramas, firings, hirings and actual F1 racing events. It has such a gritty, hardcore style that it is impossible not to be sucked in. The next day our wish was granted. Production has started on a yet-to-be-named WSL docuseries, to be produced by Box to Box Films. Oscar and BAFTA Award winner James Gay-Rees, BAFTA nominee Paul Martin (“Formula 1: Drive to Survive”), and Erik Logan (WSL) will executive produce on behalf of Box to Box Films. Let’s hope Elo doesn’t fuck things up.

Talking of WSL, Pat O’Connell jumped that ship (at about the same time Dutchie came on board, not related). He is now the new president of John John’s new brand, Florence Marine X. Let’s hope he can keep prices down, at least a little bit less than OuterKnown, who charge R2947,15 for this jersey.

Mikey Feb has a new video series being released soon called Sonic Souvenirs. It will be kicking off around the middle of April. It looks cool. MFeb continues to keep the dream alive. 66

Durban super-grom Kai Hall has been threading some monster pits worldwide, and rumour is that he might be inking a new deal. The kid is worryingly fearless and does know how to ride a tube, no matter how shallow the reef. The surfing NKOTB crew are former rugby stars Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla and former Springbok captain Jean De Villiers. These big guys all learning the ropes with Seth

Hulley at Seth’s Surf School. He’s even got radio and Tv personality Ryan O’Connor in the water. The last time we checked Ryan in the water was at the Oakley XOver event. He kakked himself so badly at Kitchen Windows that he rode every wave lying down, holding on for dear life. Now he’s standing up, so well done.

A SURFER SIMILAR TO RYAN O’CONNOR, YESTERDAY.

Gangbusters Surfing Magazine Issue 2

Articles inside

Clean Lines

Rising Talent: Surprise Maphumulo and Brian Furcy

Surfing Photo Feature with Nic Bothma

Gangbusters Surfing Magazine Issue 2