October/November/December 2009 R25 incl VAT (South Africa only) Over the Horizon
on the cover - Beyers underground West Coast charger. Sequence by Alex Turoy mugshot by Cobus Bosman turn to page 2 to see what he has to say about it.
full sequence on pg 4
ISSN 1994-294X
bodyboarding// travel//photography//lifestyle
www.sixty40.co.za
COSMIC 302 FULLSUIT | 2010 RANGE COMING SOON | DISTRIBUTION: WE-TRADING | WE-TRADING.COM
GET NAKED. ALL AGENT EIGHTEEN SUITS ARE DESIGNED WITH A FOCUS ON ELITE LEVEL PERFORMANCE. SOURCING THE HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP AVAILABLE, AGENT EIGHTEEN HAVE STEPPED OUT WITH A BOLD AND CREATIVE APPROACH TO WETSUIT DESIGN. OUR EXCLUSLVE NAKEDF3 NEOPRENE, IS A NON-PETROLEUM BASED RAW MATERIAL THAT'S SOFTER, LIGHTER, WARMER AND MORE FLEXIBLE THAN EVER! SO GET AGENT EIGHTEEN AND GET NAKED. IT’S ONLY NATURAL.
BEYERS on the Devils Horn // the epitome of heavy waves in South Africa. Discovered in May 2008, pioneered by Myself, Cobus Bosman, Johno Mellish and Tiaan Kriegler. Unfortunately pictures just don't do this wave justice, the wave pictured is the ideal wave out there, sucks super hard off the bottom and is relatively step free. In general the wave, if i can call it that, just gurgles, steps and mutates, you never know what you gonna get. Beautiful yet scary to behold.
Possibilities – just around the corner from home. Mozambique. Shot by AVG With Namibia and Mozambique on our respective doorsteps it's good to see that people have taken to exploring their new backyards because as they say, you never know what's lying just around the corner...
Chopper at Derdesteen by Silke van der Merwe
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Over the horizon: With summer in full swing and that fat guy in a red suit with a long beard on his way we thought we would take you through a glimpse of what some of the travelling South Africans got up to during winter. Whether it was to far flung countries or redefining the boundaries of what lies just around the corner in our own backyard, we got some amazing insight into how far your average Saffa will go to get that next perfect wave. From the UK to the West Coast, we join some of the top riders in the world in scouring and unravelling some truly amazing waves. We settle into some insider secrets in our third instalment of The Project, brought to you by James Moolenschot, delve into the mind of Jonothan ‘Oros’ Oliff for Create and wrap it all in a warm blanket of amazing images. ...Enjoy
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MEET TEAM RIDER:
SACHA
SPECKER PRO AND DROPKNEE SA CHAMP 2009
W E T S U I T S www.derevkowetsuits.com
photo Rosy Hodge
Miscellaneous
Sixty40 Bodyboarding
making the magic happen Managing Editor & Publisher Ian Kruger ian@sixty40.co.za Associate Editor Damon Crawford damon@sixty40.co.za
Art Director / Designer Samuel Sampi Kamffer (one2love) sampi@sixty40.co.za Online Editor / Senior Contributor Gareth White gareth@sixty40.co.za Sixty40 Founder / Web Developer Kelly Footit kelly@sixty40.co.za Video Editor Dustin Weber dustin@sixty40.co.za
image by DcMike
Billy underground With great force Billy Underground has hit the scene, defying all odds and getting better shots than the pros in his first couple of months of riding. Someone said that Schalk Burger has put a poster up of Billy in his bedroom. On only his 13th surf Billy charged the Slab and it barrelled him because it didn’t want him to flip it and make it look silly. Apparently Billy is a local at every single spot in the country, so look out for him charging, and be sure to check your shoulder that he isn’t already on your inside. (keep your peepers peeled for the "censored" logo).
Sales & Advertising Ian Kruger ian@sixty40.co.za Proofreaders Morgan Phillips Tiffany Potgieter Francois van Rooyen Distribution Countrywide
MS 8 Vipers
Stockists All good surf stores, CNA’s, PNA’s and Exclusive Books See: www.sixty40.co.za/stockists Contact Tel +27 (0) 82 594 3082 Fax +27 (0) 21 939 2246 Po Box 15107, Panorama, 7506 Cape Town, South Africa To submit images: send to images@sixty40.co.za Published by Panacea Publishing Printed by Signet Printing, Cape Town © Copyright subsists in all work published in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement which may in certain circumstances constitute a criminal offence.
we design stuff one2love.co.za
Spunjah Chronic So. It seems like the world of blogging has taken off in more ways than one, with the Shark Island Challenge even having a Twitter account going (albeit with nothing really to tweet about except a classic chirp about Thurston hitting the reef ). Something really exciting though is the new blog by the guys of spunJAH Chronic. The blog originated as a black and white paper magazine established in 2007 by Mark Balasbas, David Hubbard and Tyson Miyahara, who have now been joined by MS for it's relaunch as an online video magazine, with new and exciting stuff going up regularly. Check it out at www.spunjahchronic.com. Staying with the launch of new online ventures, Aussies Aaron Dwyer, Mike Egan and Mick Parkhill have joined forces to launch Australia’s hottest new vibes, 71 Mag. With contributors such as Dallas Singer, Chris James and Winny already onboard with their expertise, be sure to check out www.71mag.com
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“I am quite excited to announce the introduction of the new MS Viper surfing fin. I have been refining this design for quite some time now and I am really stoked how they finally came out. I have tried just about every fin ever made and I am comfortable saying that these are my favorite”, reads the direct quote from Mike Stewart , posted on his website www. msvipers.com – If Mike rocks them then I’m sure you could too. Science should have these in the country by already, retailing around R549. 8 advertorial
Miscellaneous
NEW ISLAND STYLE Wetsuit Changing Mat
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ISLAND STYLE is pleased to launch a new innovative “Wetsuit Changing Mat” for all types of wetsuits and conditions, which has the added plus of doubling into a handy utility bag. Following extensive Research and Development, and fine tuning with our Team Riders, ISLAND STYLE’S new “Wetsuit Changing Mat” is now available to authorised dealers countrywide. The base of the circular mat is constructed with a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin to withstand shells and stones and other rough surfaces, and is partly constructed using a softer waterproof 210 d nylon gusset, making it easy to drawstring close with our heavy-duty leash string. Each handle has a twin lock buckle, so that once you step out of it, you can drawstring it closed and use it as a wetsuit storage bag. This new "Wetsuit Changing Mat" really is a must-have for all surfers, and helps keep sand out of your wetsuit (eliminating the need to change in a plastic bucket). All dealers that have seen it have ordered at least six for their stores,with one ordering a hundred pieces, as they plan on giving one away with each wetsuit purchased. It’s an ideal birthday or Christmas present for any surfer or water sport enthusiast that uses a wetsuit. Check it out at www.islandstyle.co.za
Alexa Dedekind Name, age and where are you from? Alexa Dedekind, I'm 21 years old, I'm originally from Durban (North Coast) and I've been living in Cape Town for the last 18months. What's your typical beach attire? Bikini, sunnies and Havaianas. Where's your local beach? I lived in Umdloti for five years... so that was without a doubt my local beach, but now i juggle between Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. Which items do you have to have with you at the beach? If I go to the beach I can't resist swimming, you can only tan for so long after all, so I always have my bikini, sun cream, a towel, water bottle... and there's nothing like a shady spot under an umbrella! Have you ever attempted bodyboarding before? Describe your experience. Yes. One time I clearly remember was eight years ago at Umhlanga Rocks main beach. I caught a wave and instead of riding with it, I headed straight, and down, and ended up with gallons of water up my nose! How do you think the following breaks got their name: Tand, Kokkerot and Xhosa Ledge? Um... something to do with a tooth, cockroach and a Xhosa on a ledge??? You've won a surf trip to the destination of your choice. Where do you want to go, and who do you take with you? Indonesia/Bali and I'd take my dad because he's a real sea man and it's been his dream as long as I can remember. What is Sixty40? the no.1 body boarding magazine?? ;)
Reef/Science News 8 Congratulations to all the Reef and Science riders who did so well at this year's Wedge Classic in Plett. Once again, Lyndell Pells took top honours in the ladies division. The super amped Roger Pardoe earned a well deserved 3rd place in the Boys category. Andrew Raath grabbed 2nd spot in Juniors, while in the DK division Vaughn Harris finished 3rd and Daniel Worsley took an equal 4th. Mark Watts is fast becoming a household name in Plett’s local newspapers, winning titles year after year. This year was no different. He claimed the Pro Division and the Expression session title! Mark McCarthy is once again jet-setting around the globe. He is doing his best to keep everyone updated on his travels and recently emailed this message to the Reef/Science offices. “Howzit guys - This is just an update on what I have been up too. I have been in Arica (Chile) for the last 2 weeks, surfing El Gringo every day, and for the most part it’s been 4 to 6 foot. I have not had any bad injuries. It’s a really good training ground as you can go left and right. So I am off to Peru tomorrow night for the first of 7 contests back to back. The first one will start tomorrow. The Peruvian Inka Challenge from the 21st the 26th July then I fly back to Arica for the Arica Challenge starts the 29th July to the 9th Aug, after that I am off to Europe for the 5 others. The stage has been set and I am super amped to get the ball rolling again. I am feeling 120% ready for this!! I will work on getting day to day reports sent to you guys. Stewart is working on doing a DAY TO DAY "live broadcast" with the Science team for the contest using an iPhone, I am not too sure how this works as yet but I will find out more on Tuesday when he arrives. You know how hi-tech that guy can be. Hah! Just wanted to thank you guys for all your effort, dedication and support. Hope all is well, Kind Regards, Mark McCarthy”
Genetic lottery Winner --------------------by Dylan Muhlenberg 8 Alexa Dedekind of Boss Models, photo by Klaudia Dedekind
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Miscellaneous
Le BOOGIE Aesthetically pleasing is what I immediately thought as I frothed opening my copy of Le Boogie that the magazine guru, Phil Gallagher had kindly popped into the post for me to review. If you don’t know Phil and his work then I’m sorry my friend but where have you been? Phil is easily the most talented bodyboarding photographer that has ever lived. He is also the man behind bodyboarding’s only hard copy coffee table book and so it is not hard to see why this was one of the most anticipated launches of the year. The cover spills the beans on what you are to expect throughout the publication. Phil writes “We’re going to release issues inspired by the hard working photographers out there...” This is what you get when you combine ultimate photographic creativity to one of the most gravity defying sports in the world. Layout is very similar to DLUX and you can tell how much has gone into the capturing of every single photograph – angles and colours I know you won’t have seen. Billy Thiel is the only Saffa representation in the mag with a shot of Skip. Everything about the shot is unique. There is not a lot of reading or advertising and what reading there is, is worth every word of it. There is even a section that takes you through the mind of the photographer as the moment was captured. The lifestyle photography included lets you peer into the daily exploits the world’s best go through to getting themselves and the photog into to the money shot moments. Toward the end there is a shot of Rawlins busting a massive reverse against the backdrop of the Australian desert as the sun sets – pure gold. Phil ends his Ed’s letter by writing “Forget what you think a bodyboarding magazine should be...” – Too true my friend. Get your copy now at www.leboogie.com.
Elemenohpee
Spencer Skipper
2009 Flow Pro #1 video Sixty40 Productions is proud to release the 2009 Flow Pro #1 video. The project is a 10 minute video feature from the first contest of our inaugural flow series held at the Wavehouse's infamous D-Rex. To watch some of the world's finest flow riders in action visit: www.sixty40.co.za/video-1052009flowpro1 For more info visit www.sixty40.co.za/productions 8 advertorial
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Skipp has just got back from a month in Australia and Indonesia where he scored some EPIC waves, SLABS and endless barrels! Bud Miyamoto of Kauai just locked down his local spots, as Hawaii has had a very productive summer of south swells so far! His DK riding is the best in the world right now! Bud has two models, the Budz DK and the Bud Icon for the both Prone and DK! Bud got 2nd in the DK Pro at Sandy's, his first loss in the last 3 years in DK pro comps! Happy Zurowski has also been enjoying his summer in Hawaii by LAUNCHING with his new signature model Da Hapz that features a wider nose for more AIRS! Willy Petrovic from the Big Island is in Indonesia scoring some epic waves. A few weeks ago he double finalled the USBA Sandy Beach Pro in both Pro and Pro DK divisions. Jake Stone of Australia has a few new board models for the Australian market called the Stone Peep in PE Core w/ stringer and Stone Style in PP Core w/ stringer. He's been tearing up the East and South Coasts of Australia as they enjoy an epic winter of waves! Chiaki Okuyama of Japan just made the finals of the JPBA in Maruki, Japan, she was very stoked!! Lachelle Yasutake of Hawaii just got the cover of Japan's Flipper magazine. This girl rips! LMNOP just picked up Maui DK ripper Marcus Rodrigues, 21 year old Kauai ripper Adam Bice and 19 year old Keahi Parker, who have just respectively won the Men's division and made the semi’s of the Pro division at the USBA Sandy Beach Pro! www.sixty40.co.za 9
Miscellaneous | by damon craford
The Doc is in Name? Doc (one ‘D’, no ‘k’) Years on the planet? 2 years less than that Mike Stewart fella. Where is home for you? Sydney Australia – Tamarama is my local these days, South Coast reefs my fave hang.
the beginnings of some solid steps forward. Also, you have cultural depth with the likes of Al Taylor and his developmental approach to board manufacturing, (As well as stating that one of his harshest takedowns ever was at Shark Island, so again we relate to him).
free photo sharing site for photogs called http://www.surfphotos.com. au/ where folks from all around the place can rock up online and post their daily surf photos so folks like me can have regular pics to froth on. It’s that sort of attitude that everyone involved has.
The mag simply has to reflect these progressions and lead the way in encouraging with ideas and stoke. Covering all aspects of topical issues, including the controversial ones, keeps crew up to speed on the BB scene. Folks love to know what is happening and you are providing that.
Do the Saffas and the Aussies generally have the same debates on the forums from what you can see? I heard the other day that Jerry Houston and Grizzler got a few solid words from some groms for walking around a corner where there was a good wave breaking. Yeah I think that is the thing – I see exactly the same type of discussions on Sixty40 as the rippy forum. Take the example you’ve given with Jerry and Griz ( Jerry wants to know how you found out about that so fast by the way… haha the boog world is a small place). That was all about localism (or perceived localism by young groms) in a circumstance where the young blokes think they own the place and give lip, but have (errr…had.. they were ‘spoken to’…) no knowledge that one of the riders was riding there before they were even born. There have been lots of conversations like that on the rippy forum, you just change the names and place and I see them on the sixty40 site as well. We’re all boogers, so we all relate to similar situations and circumstances.
We all love looking at waves and booger pics on glossy pages, especially riders from our own area/ country. More riders feeling like they are in a community means more folks want to froth on a mag to see what that community is doing at all levels. You recently joined as a member on the Sixty40 website forum – what brought you to us? I’m always looking for fresh waves around the world to mindsurf and fantasize that I might get there one day. I was chasing up some info about a break I had heard of and found the forum in that search. Sixty40 seemed like a cruisey, informed place and there was dedicated booger chat = I’m in! What do you think the future holds for us in SA? Having had a look around for a while and getting the general vibe, I reckon the future of SA BB and hence the future of Sixty40 mag is looking bright. Now that you have the facility of a bodyboarding-focused online store (Factory7.co.za), putting all Saffas with a coastline and access to a computer in easier reach of getting equipment, that is a big step forward. That is the start of getting fresh gear to current riders and getting fresh riders sorted with appropriate gear, so they can hit the froth kitted up half decent and then work out if the sponge is for them. I believe Factory 7 have opened two physical shops in Uvongo and Shelly Beach, which is pretty sweet for folks who can get there. Back that up with a couple of big BB companies seeing into the future and deciding to back both riders AND events and you have
What is the general consensus about South African boogie? Saffas have always had the rep for being hard, tough riders in Oz – that’s what we respect. With riders like Mark McCarthy and Jerry ( Jared Houston) hitting up ‘proper’ waves (not mushy blah) the way they do and getting the media exposure so we can appreciate their charging nature, we look forward to seeing them ride. Mark is embedded in our minds not from just riding waves like Shark Island, Pipe and El Gringo – but for the way he attacks them, using their power to aggressively launch himself. Spex throwing the knee is heavily respected, so it paves the way for other Saffas cos it is expected they will show the same gutsy attitude. What is your primary function on your forum – are you the head honcho? Haha, no. There is a fella called Tim Leeson, the mag editor, along with editor-in-chief NAW (Nick Lawrence) and Alex Ormerod (sick photog http://www.aophoto.com. au), all ‘honcho-ness’ is wrapped up with these RT office dudes. There are three of us ‘mods’ (moderators) who do the grunt work on the forum on behalf of the aforesaid honcho’s so they can dedicate max time to the mag. Myself and two good mates Rich Robson from Shark Island (great filmer) and the mad Trevi (Trevor Ross) from Qld all work together to keep the stoke. Trevi has extended his reach and has begun a
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You must be one of the most passionate boogie personalities out there – can you briefly describe this passion to us? Finding and knowing our passion is what makes us alive I reckon. Riding the sponge into and through a keg deep in the pit makes me feel more alive than anything else. Feeling that wave power surge under you, so much to assess in moments, those fine tweaks to the pressure on your rail for that perfect line, that hectic hanging on when you freefall off a lip into a sub-sea sucking pit gurgling off a reef ledge. You don’t really know if it is going to be another ride of your life or if it will end as a takedown that will tattoo its pain into your memory forever. I think that rush, that deep flux of life-force naturally overflows even when I’m out of the water. What do you see for the sport in 5 years’ time? An expansion of what us old-skoolers have always known – that there are essentially no limits to the size and
heaviness of waves spongers can ride. Breaking societal mental barriers is crucial and we are on the plus side of that. Boogers have always paddled into massive waves; just now there are more cameras around and more media exposure to prove the point. Tech riding is gonna go through the roof – you think the top rider moves are rad now – wait 'til this new skool crew steps up with complex aerial stuff expected of them as a basic and then develop from there. Everyone is over soft riding in soft waves, it is getting disrespected. Then there are the core and slick material advances ahead of us, even a couple of years ago we only had a few core types to choose from, now we have several combination core features at our disposal, such as triple flat stringer cores, tri-cores, dual density cores and the much rumoured ATD / MS collab to look forward to. One of my mates has been testing a space-age slick never seen before, so it is pretty amazing to even imagine what choices of materials we are going to be offered in the next five years. I think one of the biggest advancements is that the younger riders will realize that no one board will do everything, and the education will be there so they can have a well chosen quiver of boards and hence make a better equipment choice for each wave type to max out their riding potential and give that much sought after edge. Also we’re gonna see a whole new freshing up of Jack-stance, I’m seeing a lot of crew throwing up the knee in sick heaving reef kegs up and down the coast. DK is becoming part of the mix of many riders’ repertoire and the specialists through their dedication are raising the bar of what can be achieved in boogas' art form. Above all we’re gonna have a tighter, more close-knit booger community through the unprecedented communication offered by the internet. We are becoming a World Wide Crew step by step. Get ready world, the cycle of booger is gaining momentum and making another full circle of evolution. You’re going to see harder, stronger, higher riding than ever before in the meanest waves on the planet. Your mind will feel like it’s exploding like the shockie at Devil’s Horne. Hang on tight – you’re going places you’ve never been… Sick. Thanks Doc – see you in the forum!
Chris James Matt Lackey Glen Thurston Max Arent-Highfield
Adam Luehman Ewan Donnachie Jared Houston Mark McCarthy Mark Watts
create
All images on this page by Spex
create --------------------by Damon Crawford Oros scraping his knees on a very close to shore Keiki Dredger
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create
FACTORY 7 UVONGO
We delve into the hard charging Durbanite’s mind on his current study curriculum and where his career path will lead him in the future. decided to get a degree in something, but I didn’t really enjoy anything other than Bodyboarding. I remember really enjoying poetry and Shakespeare and was inspired to study English and Media. During this degree I also qualified as a Desktop Publisher through Hirt & Carter, I was offered a job with them for finishing in the top 3 but declined in order to do more traveling. Now I’m six months away from my Honors degree at Vega.
Nickname? Explain please. Oros, it was given to me as I entered high school. I dropped a lot of weight cause of all the time I was spending in the water and the guys said I looked like a little Orosman before; my surname starts with an O, so that helped I guess. Years on this planet? 26 Years bodyboarding? 14 Hometown? Durban. Favourite word? Deeznuts. Job title, when you’re done? Brand Leader, Manager or Consultant. Let’s paddle in and start with a brief explanation of what exactly it is that you are going to do… Brand Leadership is a relatively new idea that emphasizes the creation, management or correction of branding communication in order to ensure a powerful brand. At what age did you begin to consider a career in the creative and arts world? At school I chose Art, but I was never any good at drawing or painting. This inability to sketch sucked cause initially I wanted to get into graphic design. So, after school I chose to do an MCSD with some web design courses that really caught my attention. I never used this qualification and
Marine Drive, Uvongo 039 315 6698 | 083 488 3916 uvongo@factory7.co.za
FACTORY 7 SHELLY BEACH
Who and what do you consider as being your biggest inspirations? All the people that surround me that have found something that they love, are good at and are pursuing it every day. Do you consider yourself as having an open minded philosophy when it comes to art and its creation? Or do you follow a formula every time you put a piece together? I’m pretty open minded. Working formulas for genuine art and creation are pretty hard to come by, or even trust. But in branding there are steps that you can follow and certain aspects of research are useful. As a modern graphic designer, art director and illustrator, what is your take on how the digital world is affecting the role of art in these modern times? Is it easier now? It’s definitely easier to create now and spread art or ideas, but making these ‘products’ worth spreading is just as difficult as it was before the ‘digital age’. Where do you feel you get your creative influence from? Can you pinpoint anything in particular or do you go just with the flow? Durban is well respected as a creative hub in SA. To quote, it is “a creative city that relaxes into ambiguity, uncertainty and unpredictability; it is a so called progressive mess.” What do you plan on doing when you finish up this year? Are you going to stay in SA or are there any plans for some travelling and
Shop 9, Shelly Boulevard, Shelly Beach 039 315 1814 | 083 694 7885 shellybeach@factory7.co.za
FACTORY 7 ONLINE
Free shipping on orders over R300 www.factory7.co.za 0800 FSEVEN 039 315 6698 083 488 3916 online@factory7.co.za www.sixty40.co.za 13
www.factory7.co.za
create
Donkey Kong funnel by Richimages
international job hunting? And obviously… wave hunting? Hopefully I’ll get a job in South Africa with enough pay and leave to travel and wave hunt. Other than that I really enjoyed Avalon, Sydney and could see myself based there for work and travel. What are a few of the most common, yet easily fixable mistakes that you see in design today? Do you find this bothers you? Brands often don’t listen to consumers before they design their campaigns or even their products. They’ll even try to guilt people into a purchase – watch the VW Toureg TV add with the father and son - you’ll see that if you’re a guy who works too hard and has no time for family, you can buy the car and it’ll all fall into place. As we all know we can’t always do whatever we want, only Napoleon Dynamite can, but are there any particular types of projects you prefer working on? I guess environmentally sustainable ones or projects where your input makes a visible difference around you. Do you find it difficult to keep your work original or do you draw motivation from something you have seen or heard and adapt it accordingly to make it “original”? We live in a Post-modern world, so complete originality is very hard to come by, but I try to adapt and draw on stuff I see and hopefully come up with new ideas… Does this create a fine line between originality, or is it sometimes more practical to mould an existing idea into your own?
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I AM… not crazy, I’m just a little unwell I WANT… more time in the day to do stuff I HAVE… not finished I KEEP… searching I WISH I COULD… make a difference I HATE… people who give nothing back I FEAR… egotism I HEAR… nothing when I’m watching TV I DON’T THINK… McCarthy will stop peeling onions anytime soon I REGRET… but it is a waste to do so, learn and move on I LOVE… making people laugh I AM NOT… a dancer but I DANCE… better than Daniel Worsley I SING… as much as possible I NEVER… get tired of laughing I RARELY… watch live music I CRY WHEN I WATCH… the hangover I AM NOT ALWAYS… where I think I am I HATE THAT… we are born and bred consumers I’M CONFUSED ABOUT… a lot of things I NEED… to finish I SHOULD… really do some work now
I guess it is more practical sometimes, but we’re often a lot more proud of the ideas we create if we feel that they’re original.
future I want to be more involved in the sport. I want to start giving back some of what the sport has given me.
Is it safe to say you have developed your own style of creativity? How would you explain it to people? Nope, not yet anyway. I’m still learning and adapting as I go.
Are you going back next year and what other destinations are on your wish list? I’ll be back… ha ha… not this season though. But the North shore has a way of calling you back, with its energy and excitement that is impossible to duplicate. I still have to visit Indo, Canaries, Tahiti and so many other spots, so my travelling is not done.
What is your take on the future of print media? Is it still going to have its place in 10 years time, especially with the way the kids access the internet for almost every need they have these days? I still see a future for print media, people just need to see the glossy pictures. People often trust printed information more than the stuff that goes up on the net, the stuff coming from anybody, anywhere and anytime. And on Boogie media? There seems to be a lot of underground, excellent work going on behind the scenes nowadays, particularly on the blogging front. Surely this is good for our sport? Definitely, up here in Durbs we know and follow the likes of Jared Houston around the world. Cobus’ & Tiaan’s Sheepalign keeps us day dreaming as well as inspired to find new spots to froth over. Where are you planning to take your career on the Boogie next? You had a sick season in Hawaii this year with the crew. Last season was awesome, we had a sick crew and having Billy & Hayden Theil there was really cool. I grew up with mags documenting their trips to the ‘rock’ and I got to join them this time. In the
So Watts has won basically everything this year so far – the vibe must be awesome in Durbs now. I’m hearing of guys that haven’t been in the water in years back up and representing the Boogie again. Spots like the fabled Umzumbe being ridden again. We all love the fact that Watts dominated this year, he’s clearly inspired a lot of guys this side and that’s really good for Bodyboarding. What are your graft opportunities like at home? Is there much of a creative scene in Durban at the moment that fosters a home for guys like yourself? Would you consider a move to the Mother City – your good mate Sean Tickner and his wife have just made the move? Apparently there’s not that much vacancy in Durban, I’ll be lucky if I get in somewhere. But I couldn’t leave the coast. Cape Town is awesome with tons of waves and a move would be pretty easy I reckon. You guys have a wave there that I consider to be the best boogie wave in SA, at least that I’ve ridden…so ja, I’d move. As a living legend from the south coast would say, rock on and all the best bru!
Spectacular Seasons Plettenberg Bay create
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Bitou Tourism in Plettenberg Bay Tel: +27 (0)44 533 4065, Fax: +27 (0)44 533 4066 tourism@plettenbergbay.co.za www.sixty40.co.za 15 www.plettenbergbay.co.za
UP and DOWN THE BRITAIN
Aadam Grant and Darren Halse explore the best of Northern and Southern Britain. Waves, Beautiful Coastline and Good Times. ---------------------------------Written by Aadam Grant and Darren Halse
Living in London, two things pop to mind: miff weather and POUNDS, this means epic surfing missions and, well, you’re in the travel hub of the world, so Durban to Cape Town translates to London to Portugal, to France, to Canary Islands, to Ireland. Besides that, who in their right mind would think that there are world class waves right here in the UK, it’s cold and it’s freezing and it has 9m tides (if you're going surfing this side of the world make sure you time the tides perfectly), so definitely not me. 16 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
Luckily, when arriving in the UK, I hooked up with Darren Halse, a stylised bodyboarder from Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal whom has been based in the UK for the last 5 years and doing some serious exploring. During the first few weeks of my stay we cruised down to Cornwall and scored some waves with Jacob, Ben and Alistair, namely this gnarly reef break which is literally located on the southern tip of Britain, and if I told you where it is I would have to put Ismaeel Grant on you. This place puts a definitive meaning to the word consequence, it had a heavy take off that bowled out onto the reef which is covered by about 10cm of water, NICE. Of the few slabs we had one
Aadam Grant
of us had to get lacerated. Unfortunately, it was Darren. He had a beast and by putting his hands out he saved his face from being rearranged. That didn’t stop him, we surfed till the tide pushed out. Enough about Southern Britain, let’s do Northern. Beautiful green coasts await you. Let’s go get barrelled. 6:40am Wake up for work. 5:30pm Finish work. Hookup my iPod, a bit of ‘Incubus’, a bit of ‘People Under The Stairs’, a bit of ‘Thrice’ and some ‘Gangstar’, make my way to Darren’s place knowing some proper good times lie ahead in a place far, far away, a place called Thurso. Just to put you into perspective, Thurso lies on the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, so it’s pretty cold up there. Darren told me to pack warm, so I did.
Arriving at Darren’s place, hooking up with the rest of the crew: Laron, Clyde, Kate, Vicky and set off on a journey, a journey of 1140km. We left London at 9:30pm or so after having some problems with the cars. First the car’s lights went, then the street lamp that was helping went. Finally we were on the road and the driving being split up between the crew in shifts of three hours each. 11:30am Arrive at Thurso. Get to a spot called Dumps (it was named this as all the deceased sheep were placed in front of the break, not a pretty site) and if only I could paint a picture of the most perfect setup for mother nature’s wave machines that surrounded us, this would be it. After scoping out the scene we came to a conclusion that we needed more tide and headed to the campsite to setup tent. www.sixty40.co.za 17
UP and DOWN THE BRITAIN
Waited an hour or so then headed back to Dumps to meet Fabio and Will. Now, when Darren explained to me how it broke, he reiterated on how shallow it was, and as I grew up on the Sea Point reefs I was sure that it would be nothing sketchier than what I had encountered before, but I was very wrong. After a couple of beauties that was set in the most beautiful backdrop Scotland had to offer, I had my turn of being grinded. Taking off into a backdoor of note, then, as I was exiting the barrel being lifted by the lip and being thrown onto my back and being slammed onto dry rock, my coccyx took all of the impact. Eventually I managed to crawl my way back to shore where Fabio came and assisted me to the car. Darren had a couple more bombs and then came in. Once all in the car, Darren took me to hospital where the matron put me on three different sets of anti-inflammatories and painkillers. The next day the waves were not happening and we decided to go do some site seeing, visiting Britain’s most northern point, Dunnet Head. The following day promised to deliver and we were on it like a fat kid over chocolate cake. We ended up back at Dumps where Darren pointed out a wave to the left of the bay, and not just any wave, the most perfect left hander I had ever laid eyes on. It was gaping and blowing out every chance it had. We all got suited up and bolted down the cliff to be greeted by perfection. This wave was on another level of epicness, every wave was mechanical, perfect cylinders every time, Darren and I couldn’t get enough of it, we surfed till our hands were popsicles. Good times.
18 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN RSA WITH EMAIL ORDERS TO SURFHQ@TELKOMSA.NET
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I once read an article about a surf trip that some pro stand-ups had done. These guys were paid to travel the globe, stayed in fancy hotels and just surf everyday. But even for them, their best trips were ones that weren’t all peaches and cream and had unplanned incidents and factors which just didn’t go to plan. They persevered through the tough times, found waves where there shouldn’t have been, and had unforgettable times in the process. For me, that is what surfing in England was all about. Super long drives to the coast, putting wetsuits on in the snow or trying to walk down a beach which is completely frozen over. Each trip was unique with some hazard thrown in just to test my dedication. Scotland was one of the toughest with countless issues and problems being thrown into the mix as we fought our way up to frigid north. Then watching Aad get pounded into the reef on the first surf I
had to wonder what else would go wrong. But eventually the momentum swung our way and we were blessed with some unbelievable bodyboarding waves. As we walked over the hill and saw the first wave of the set explode onto the reef, nothing else mattered. All the issues and troubles disappeared into yesterday, and we were all left hooting and sprinting back to the car like little groms desperately trying to be the first out there. Scotland is a magical place for bodyboarding. So many insane reef breaks and slabs scattered all over the place, and many more waiting to be found. All it takes is the right conditions, a bit of dedication, and a few amped up bodyboarders, and you are guaranteed to score some unbelievable waves.
"Scotland is a magical place for bodyboarding"
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65 BRICKHILL ROAD • DURBAN www.sixty40.co.za 19 SURFHQ@TELKOMSA.NET • 031 368 7568
Keith Row - Backlit llandudno - by Dcmike ///
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Sihle xaba - north beach - by greg ewing ///
www.sixty40.co.za 21
JP Nortier - undisclosed location - by Ian Thurtell ///
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Jared houston - somewhere in oz - by andrew smythe ///
www.sixty40.co.za 23
24 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
Ewan Donnachie - luna park - by matt ryan ///
Mathew Webster - Onrus - by Suzanne Swart ///
www.sixty40.co.za 25
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JP Engelbrecht - Kalk Bay - by Peter Lambert ///
Derek Footit - south coast - by wayne beekman ///
www.sixty40.co.za 27
Wesley Fischer - wave house - by wayne beekman ///
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www.sixty40.co.za 29
DeVries - deadmans - by kelly cestari ///
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Written by Sacha Specker with inserts from Glen Thurston and Adam Luehman. All images by Alex Turoy
Bigger than it looks
Feature | Roaming South Africa
The intrepid international explorer’s from the Nomad Free Surf Division, with special guest, Adam Luehman, connect with our local pro’s to explore the SA coastline and find a lot more than they bargained for.
Chris James
Adam Luehman
Glen Thurston
///v., roamed, roam·ing, roams. v.intr. ///To move about without purpose or plan; wander.
Sacha Specker
www.sixty40.co.za 31
Sacha Specker Some big names in the world of bodyboarding have come to visit our shores in the past, but never have they come with such intent to explore, score and document our coastline. This trip was destined to be a milestone for South Africa's image as an undiscovered land of diversity from the day it was just a growing seed in our ever wondering imaginations. International Crew: Chris 'Grizz' James, Adam Luehman, Glen 'Pence' Thurston. Photographer: Alex Turoy. Videographer: Dan Nicholls Local Crew along the way: Sean Tickner, Johnathan 'Oros' Oliff, Jared Houston, Mark Watts, Mark McCarthy, Cobus Bosman, Johno Mellish, Beyers Van Der Merwe, Derek Footit, Wayne Beekman and Sacha Specker Pick up: 20 May 2009 @ 09:35 from Cape Town International Airport Drop off: 11 June 2009 @ 12:00 at Durban Airport The boys arrived with big intentions of discovering monster slabs along our West Coast, scoring uncrowded East Coast beachies and wedges and take over Durban's Flowrider. Thanks to the manifold of support from Nomad SA and some knowledgeable locals, the three week quest portrayed our culture, waves and industry icons in a wondrous and welcoming light. The first week was spent in and around Cape Town, soaking up the diversity of the Mother City's melting pot of cultures, biodiversity and unparalleled scenery. Fortunately, week one was enough time to satisfy the burgeoning tourist hidden within each of the internationals which happened to coincide with a week-long flat spell. By week two, the charts were looking promising for a desolate West Coast trip. Thanks to Cobus Bosman, who had been meticulously mapping a discrete segment of coastline throughout the full spectrum of swell and wind, we were being led to a specific slab. To elaborate on this remarkable spectacle; it unfolds caverns large enough to send even the most enthusiastic of spelunkers running for the hills. By the time each of us paddled out and had had the chance to peer into the continuous stream of Herculean pits and grinding shock-waves unfolding over the boiling slab, it was too late to turn back in fear of ending up with an irreparably bruised ego. Before long, each of us tasted what it was like to cheat death, with Johno and Beyers seemingly dodging the white light and miraculously paddling out for more. Half-way into week two, the fully insured 4x4 rental bakkie had been tested to the point where most would call it abuse. Well utilized and still in working order, we made our way back to the Mother City. Once the crew regrouped and repacked, we headed up the East Coast in the hopes of scoring a session at the Wedge in the sleepy town of Plettenberg Bay. Unfortunately the swell did not wrap into the bay, forcing the boys to settle for a sketchy session at a maxing beachie near by and a J-More pie for the road. Further up the coast, a wedging beachie, south
32 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
of the Kowie estuary mouth welcomed us with open arms. Three foot funneling wedges with not a single person in sight for 3 days in a row. Fun! A few nights of rest and spoils in Slummies, with good food, good company and an eagerly anticipated visit to the local Lion Park, until the venture continued through the Transkei and into the heart of KZN's South Coast. Thanks to Derek Footit's resourceful contacts, we were offered a stylish apartment overlooking Margate Beach for the remainder of our trip. Due to the lack of swell, it was a unanimous decision to head straight to the 'Gateway Wavehouse' with the intention of clocking in a few hours of practice before taking on the worlds best in the up-coming Flow Pro. Having turned into aching flowrats after just a few hours, the novelty of getting pitted on a stationary wave for as long as you could hold onto your board for, had worn off, forcing us to retreat back to our royalesque beach-front apartment. It was a well timed return to the Hibiscus Coast thanks to a clean 3-4 foot swell arriving the following morning. Local legend, Wayne Beekman had plans for us. Passing on Wayne's message, Derek instructed us to be at a tucked away beach at first light, just north of the renowned St. Michaels on sea. Arriving 20 minutes late, tired and in severe pain from yesterdays’ flow action, we trekked towards a reeling right hand peak down the beach. About half way there, Beekman came motoring around the point on a majestic black jetski, throttling parallel to the beach, covering precious ground, suspended in the air as he weaved between sets. The boys were frothing! We had a ski, glassy conditions, decent swell and team players who really knew how to whip suspecting victims around the impact zone at break-neck speeds, with the intention of sending them into the atmosphere to join the mile high club. Needless to say, we had a blast until mid-day when the wind turned slightly, sending us a little further up the coast for a paddle at an infamously sharky sandbar. The last few days of the voyage were highlighted by everyone receiving a savage whipping on the flowrider thanks to guys like Wesley Fisher and Billy Tennant, who even on an off day, could school some of the best Flow Pro's out there. Due to the fact that most of the guys, who joined us on the KZN leg of the adventure, worked at a nightclub (Eighties) and the exchange rate between the AUS $ and ZAF Rand was so lucrative, our defeat in the Flowpro was extensively celebrated over several nights. To finish off an eventful venture in SA, we decided to head up the coast a few hours for a day-trip into the world famous Hluhluwe-Londolozi Game Reserve. Getting up close to some of Africa's most iconic and impressive wildlife in its natural environment, commended a picturesque ending to a successful expedition through the heart and soul of South Africa's 2798km's of coastline. A big 'Thanks' must go out to the following people: The Footit family, the Hodge family, Martin Otto, the Watts family, the Specker family, Neels Smit, Kenny Lee at 'Realty 1’, Wayne Beekman, Jerry Houston, Cobus Bosman and the Crew at the Wavehouse and everyone else who helped make the trip possible.
Feature | Roaming South Africa
Glen Thurston
1) What were your thoughts and impressions on South Africa before embarking on the trip? As a young man I have always desired to explore the land of Africa knowing it to be home for many great spiritual men of our time. I had pictured it to be a thirsty continent with a need for change, peace and all that stuff. Just like many of us “western humans” Africa seemed to be highlighted as a country in desperation for aid. In Australia you are bombarded with different organizations advertisements on poverty and how you can change lives by sponsoring a child from Africa. After 28 days and 7000kms on the clock I can assure you my perception of Africa has been greatly enhanced through my experience on our travels.
Clockwise from this image: Sacha Specker chasing daylight. Glen Thurston and his best giraffe 'blue steel' impression. Chris James wrestles the foamball to glory.
2) What were your highlights from the trip? Some of the highlights for me had to be, firstly, wrestling a lion, that’s just not normal, especially in Australia. That probably ties with playing guitar for my brother burg on top of lions head mountain. One of the most amazing animal moments was ‘Big Harold’ the giraffe we spotted on the side of the road. We all managed to scale the bush down to his fence were we shared an intimate moment with the very large creature. His eyes were so full of love and he couldn’t stop licking my whole face/ neck and grazing on my head. Good times. Scored a sweet as facebook shot that I am eagerly waiting to upload as well. From there scoring the west coast in all its glory and sharing so many chills with all the bru’s. Braai for life! I am also very grateful for our V.I.P sessions on the wave house. That thing was built to break a man’s body, but while you are in the moment it is glorious. 3) What was your favourite wave/ destination on the trip? Cape Town is definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing places I have seen with all the mountains reaching the sea and the skies full of dancing colour’s morning and night. But as for waves, the west coast was the place for me, no people, no houses, no shops, just waves as far as you can see and the stars above. To be really honest living at home with some of the best waves Australia has to offer at my door step has spoilt me rotten with goodness. It’s hard to find better waves than home but thankfully my contentment doesn’t lie in how good the waves are and I just soaked in the new experience. 4) How did you find the nightlife/ social scene? Or was it all down to business? There wasn’t much nightlife for me this trip, I was loving early nights and early rises. Getting my natural highs off life and limiting my consumption on the good liquid. I must admit I did desire to do my very best for Shane my mate and main sponsor who had poured quite a lot of finance into this trip. I have come to a healthy balance between enjoying everything this lifestyle has to offer and being productive for my sponsoring companies that see this as my job. 5) So what are your impressions of SA after your trip and will you make it back here? I really felt welcome in South Africa with it being so similar to home. We drive on the same side of the road, petrol costs the same, much of the towns and beaches are similar (except you have a copious amount of kelp and mussels). yet of coarse the vast contrast between the bondi beach style million dollar homes of the mostly white population and the barely can afford to eat, do anything to survive mostly black population was hard to take in, coming from a well structured government that aims at equality for all low income citizens. www.sixty40.co.za 33
This sequence: Adam tackling a deceivingly clean and easy Horn funnel Underneath - clockwise starting top left: 1. Spex DK snap at an East Coast Wedge. 2. The boys Searching. 3. Fischer going nuts at the Wave Pool. 4. Mark McCarthy on very thick beast. 5. John Mellish doing what he shouldn't at the Horn. 6. Chris James' massive tow in punt. 7. Spex inverted. 8. Thick Garden Route beachie.
34 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
THIS IS AFRICA - The DVD coming soon
Adam Luehman
1) What were your thoughts and impressions on South Africa before embarking on the trip? A lot of people I had spoken to before I went focused on the negative aspects of South Africa like the Poverty and Crime etc so I was naturally a little cautious, checking the travel warnings on the internet and stuff ha ha. But I just couldn't stop thinking about where South Africa sits on the map and the fact that it must just get hammered by swells much like my home in Western Australia. I was also super amped on all the wildlife we were going to see! 2) What were your highlights from the trip? We did so much it's hard to choose one highlight or even two or three! Playing with the Lion cub at the Lion Park up the East Coast was cool, it fully jumped on my back and clawed my shoulders and started biting me! The little f#%ker actually drew blood! Going up the coast from Cape Town and camping in the middle of nowhere to surf The Horn was pretty amazing. It reminded me of the desert in North West WA, just really remote and heaps of waves! The party nights up in Durban were rad as well along with the flow rider, we had been pretty under the pump trying to get photos and footage all trip so it was fun to get loose! And Wes Fisher is a freak! 3) What was your favourite wave/ destination on the trip? My favourite wave we scored was the Devils Horn but any number of waves we checked/ surfed could have taken it over if we had them pumping.Maybe even Tant if we got it a little better... 4) How did you find the nightlife/ social scene? Or was it all down to business? If it was up to Pence it would have been all down to business but fortunately it wasn't and we broke free a few nights and got on it! Two nights at this club called 80s in Durban were amazing! Props to Mark Watts for hooking us up and taking us out in Durban! 5) So what are your impressions of SA after your trip and will you make it back here? It's one of the coolest country’s I've been to so far actually it probably holds the top spot... I may fly back next year and just spend a couple of weeks in Cape Town, it's such a nice city!
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Rocking the daisies
Desmond and the Tutu's
Daisies not confused…
Rocking the daisies --------------------by Jasyn Howes
I’d like to call myself a Daisies veteran, but I’d be lying. I’d like to say that I knew exactly what to expect from this year’s festival, but again I’d be lying. You see the truth is no one knew what to expect from Rocking The Daisies 2009, because every year this incredible festival gets bigger and better.
L
ast year was by far the best and the worst year for the Complete Events crew who collectively witnessed the monumental impact they have had on the local music scene, receiving a taste of what can happen when you don’t keep a close eye on the number of people wanting to attend your event.
They were, for lack of a better word, ill prepared but managed to maintain a semblance of order given the tremendous task bestowed upon them. The thousands of people that attended last year’s event left behind a ravaged landscape torn apart by muddy tread marks and bruised by our poor consideration.
36 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
The logistical nightmare left for the organizers to sift through raised many questions. They needed to alter their game plan in order for their eco-friendly festival to work on a larger scale, and after a year of planning, touring (Glastonbury – UK and Paleo – Switzerland) and renovating, they return with their best fest yet.
Music
Gang of Instrumentals www.sixty40.co.za 37
Rocking the daisies
There’s a long list of reasons why this festival was superior to the last, but I’m only going to name a few. From an attendee point of view, and this may contradict my previous article, there wasn’t a line of biblical proportion to wait in when I arrived. I drove in without a hassle, checked in with the guys at the gate and was guided along by friendly faces on my way to the VIP section that was situated close to all of the fun and exciting stuff. It was bizarre to see all these neon-bibbed people guiding drivers and checking wristbands. At first it felt like being inside a high security area, where you had to have varied levels of clearance in order to gain access to certain places. This differed greatly from last year where backstage resembled a stock market trading floor during happy hour. I had arrived early, but not early enough given the fact that all I could see were cars, tents and people. This was Friday afternoon at around 3pm, I needed to check in with the media office but all I wanted to do was drink and be merry. There would be plenty of time for that I thought, and so I explored the vast area that would be my playpen for the weekend. There was a lot to see, but as I made my way to the main stage violent flashbacks began to swirl in my mind as if I had returned to the scene of a crime. It was trippy to say the least, and of course that’s when they decided to start up the music. On my left the harsh bass lines of the dance tent, a place for the criminally insane (my kind of people), and on my right the main stage that had doubled in size from its predecessor amplifying the sound and glamour of the bands lined up to play for the 10000 plus crowd. I wasn’t even sure who would be playing. I had heard rumours of aKing, The Plastics, Gang of Instrumentals and a festival favourite known as Goldfish. Then I ran into one of the media crew who told me I would be interviewing Just Jinjer - who the hell are they? Kidding! – and some Joburg band called Desmond and The Tutu’s. I felt like I was in over my head; as if I was led mindlessly into this strange and absurd place where everyone else knew what was going on but me. This paranoia would pass soon enough, I was sure of it; I had to remind myself that I was in fact on familiar ground. Friday night arrived with a habitual cold. I was prepared for it, ready to take on the evening onslaught of awkward encounters, loud tunes and drink, lots and lots of drink. I sold my soul to the bottomless trough; one filled with far too much beer, wine and what I’m told was tequila. 38 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
The Plastics
Music The following morning would remind me as to why I don’t drink on a regular basis. The only saving grace would be the incredible food on offer from a variety of chow companies. I tucked into everything I could get my hands on. One falafel with avocado chili from the hippy family, one half ciabatta roll topped with English breakfast from the tall guy with the funky nose, one cinnamon and sugar crepe from the foreign lady with the cool sunglasses and finally a smoothie from the hip-hop loving juice bar. It was a feast, and it would be a day later when my poor stomach would repent for my hangovers selfish needs. Saturday, which is usually the case at these 3-day debaucheries, was fantastic. The weather gods had granted us a delicate wind and a powerful dose of sunshine. The music played non-stop for all to enjoy, the comedy tent (that now has its own official space) had crowds of drunken fans roaring with laughter, myself included. That in itself was a wonderful addition to what one expects from a music fest, laughter is of course the best medicine.
Whilst everyone was having a good time the hoards of security guards and event officials maintained a peaceful and well-managed arena that looked and smelled amazing. The No Standing team was fulfilling their duties by tirelessly sorting the heaps of recyclable goods, the trusty wind turbine turned in the spring breeze and everything else ran like a well oiled machine leaving the rest of us to enjoy our weekend away without a care in the world, knowing that in some way us being there was indeed a positive to both ourselves, and the land we were inhabiting. Like I said before, I had no idea what to expect from this years festival, but I can say that what I found was an experience that keeps getting better and better. It was a blessing to party in the beautiful surroundings of the Cloof Wine Estate where the world seems untouched and the music carries on into the distance undisturbed.
Check out our interview with Just Jinjer on www.sixty40.co.za
With new life being breathed into the Rock festival scene its good to see the emrging talent coming through hand in hand. Gang of Instrumentals, lighting up the stage on the Friday night.
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Southern KZN WWW.F AC TO
Southern Cape
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The Surf Shop Tel/Fax: 044 533 3253 (Shelley) Lookout Centre Main Street Plettenberg Bay, 6600 thesurfshop@telkomsa.net
Eastern Cape
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Specifications - please include: Name, Address, Tel, Email, Web address, Region: Northern KZN, Durban, Southern KZN, Eastern Cape, Southern Cape, Boland, Cape Town, West Coast, Online. Include a Logo or photo - (CMYK - 300dpi - eps, pdf, ai, jpeg, tiff, psd, cdr) OR Advert - 54mm x 54.187mm (no bleed, CMYK - 300dpi - eps, pdf, ai, jpeg, tiff, psd, cdr)
boland
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40 SIXTY40 BODYBOARDING MAGAZINE ISSUE 10
Land en See Tel: 028 312 2889 Main Road, Hermanus, 7200 landensee@tlantic.co.za
Walker Bay Surf Tel: 028 312 2893 Shop no. 12, Warrington Place, Harbour Road, Hermanus, 7200 gibson@intekom.co.za
www.sixty40.co.za 41
SA CHAMPS 2009
Compete --------------------images and text by Ian thurtell
For some the 2009 Reef SA Champs will be forgotten in a second and for others that lived and breathed every second of the long, exhausting days, the 5 day long champs will be engraved into their memory for a lifetime.
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compete
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Thinking back to this year’s Reef SA Champs feels like a surreal time in my life. If you’ve seen the movie “Groundhog day” you’ll know exactly how I felt and to those who attended the championships you’ll understand how the movie relates in day to day life of the champs. I’m going to start the action off on day 5, FINALS DAY where the business end of the champs started to develop. The swell was in the 3-5ft range and breaking with bone shattering power, 30 meters from the beach. The air and water was freezing and felt like it was straight from a polar bears bum! The contestants who had made it to this day had surfed in some difficult conditions and had proven to the judges why they deserved to be in the final in their respective divisions! Sacha Specker was an absolute standout in every heat that he competed in, surfing flawlessly and making the finals of both the divisions that he competed in. I went over to talk to him on the beach on the morning of the final. I found him wrapped in a beach towel with his jacket hoody over the top. He wasn’t acting like his usual bouncy calm self. I asked him what was up. He looked over and said “I feel like shit!” It turns out most of the WP team had contracted a cold and he had just started feeling the awful first stages of the illness! I wished him luck and went off to the media area. The DK final took to the water and Sacha was a bit slow to open up his account but when he did it was a display of raw power surfing, landing huge floaters and massive snaps ending off with what a lot of people were calling the DK move of the contest! Sacha easily walked off with the winner’s title. After seeing that heat I couldn’t help remember that he was feeling sick! A sick man does not ride like that! I later found out that Sacha had been sick before the finals of a previous contest and had won! Sheesh, maybe he should
be sick more often! When the Pros final started the surf had changed slightly making wave selection key. Almost on the siren Sacha blasted a huge ARS on the beefy looking lefthander. After that Sacha paddled around keeping all the other finalists in check. Oros and McCarthy had a dig on a few waves and sneaked back into the title race. With 4 minutes to go in the final, Sacha got another lefthander, raced into the end bowl and blasted a clean backflip into the flats. Hmmm…. I thought he liked rights better? Sacha walked out of the water and into the history books. No rider has ever won 2 different titles in one SA Championships. The Kumba Iron Ore development clinic went off without a hitch and was a huge success in the development of new riders in the Lamberts Bay area. One rider that took a natural knack to bodyboarding and showed great enthusiasm was Izaan Adams. He won the Development Prize at this year's SA Champs. The Central Kwa-Zulu Natal team took top honours by winning the overall team event trophy, named the Fishermans Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the highest overall score. Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal placed second with Western Province finishing third overall. Official results are as follows. 1. Central Kwa-Zulu Natal 19130 2. Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal 18586 3. Western Province 16909 4. Boland 14561 5. Eastern Province 12478 6. Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal 9910
Pro: 1. Sacha Specker 2. Jonathan Oliff 3. Mark McCarthy 4. Adam Waites DK 1. Sacha Specker 2.Vaughn Harris 3. Wayne Du Preez 4. Warren Canepa Junior 1. Marc Webster 2. David Lilienfeld 3. Adam Waites 4. Storm Prestwich Boys 1. Steven du Preez 2. Jason Fowler 3. Sebastian Koopmans 4. Robbie Waites. Mens 1. Wayne Beekman 2. Rayner Venter 3. Jeffrey Davies 4. Jaryd Van Daalen Masters 1. Gustav Botha 2. Martin Otto 3. Mike Van Huyssteen 4. Robert Scott Ladies. 1. Suzie Vester 2. Lize Mari Ras 3. Janneke De Kock 4. Jocelyn Norton
Everyone will agree that this year's Reef South African Champs was one of the best and most organised SA's ever. Boland Bodyboarding Association was a great hosting province and the team put a lot of hard work into planning and making the event possible. www.sixty40.co.za 43
the project Back to basics
The Project
The Project is a series of articles aimed at and explains the very basics of bodyboarding knowledge. exploring the core building blocks of bodyboarding knowledge and uncovering a few of the unspoken rules of understanding waves, conditions at surf breaks and riding technique.
words and illustrations --------------------by James Moolenschot
Key
Sand Rock Land Wave Crests Breaking Wave Whitewater Sandbank/Reef Paddle Direction Line of Sight Reference Line Rider Positions
Volume 2: Lineup Dynamics
The dynamics of the lineup (a group of riders waiting for waves) can be a complex part of learning to ride waves competently, especially if you are often riding at popular or crowded spots. Gaining awareness of the way riders move around the lineup, as well as how to work smoothly within that system, will help you catch more waves and gain more respect. As a member of the wave riding tribe, it is of great importance that you follow the basic rules of surfing at all times. These rules have been handed down from generation to generation because they are based on safety and common sense, and because they promote a fellowship among all wave riders. By obeying these rules, you will contribute to keeping a good vibe in the water.
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The Basic Rules:
• The first person on a wave has priority and right of way. Otherwise its the person on the 'inside', or closest to the breaking part of the wave, that has priority. • The person waiting the longest has priority and right of way. • Do not drop in! Dropping in is taking off on a wave in front of someone who is already riding that wave. If
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there is any doubt whether someone has caught a wave or not, give them benefit of the doubt and do not drop in! Do not be a snake! A snake is a rider who paddles to the inside and immediately turns for a wave, or turns on the inside of someone already paddling into a wave, and then calls for priority. When conditions are low-key, the first person who paddles for a wave or calls for it has priority. Do not expect this to apply in crowded conditions. Don't sit in or paddle through the take off zone in a way that prevents other riders from catching waves cleanly. When caught in the impact zone, do not paddle in front of someone riding a wave unless you are absolutely certain that you will be well clear of them. If in doubt, paddle behind them on the white water side and take the hit. Learn to duck dive well and this will not be a problem. Do not bail out or release your board in a way that puts other surfers at risk. Again, learn to duck dive properly and this will not be a problem. Show respect and courtesy to both the more experienced riders and the locals.
The Basic Rules of Surfing
This rider has right of way
Do NOT Drop in!
This rider has right of way
Do NOT snake other riders!
Do NOT bail your board in a dangerous position!
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Do NOT sit or paddle in the path of a rider taking a wave!
Localism
Localism develops from a collective of riders that ride a particular spot frequently and have the most knowledge and experience of the break. A local does not necessarily have to live near the break to be a local, but will usually work a lineup by knowing the wave the best. Locals are often known for being protective of the integrity of their local spot and will often be the loud enforcers of the Basic Rules if this becomes necessary. Rather follow the rules and avoid confrontation. One day when you become a local, you will be in that role of protecting the same system.
Respect
The only thing that prevents surf lineups from becoming a chaotic and dangerous mess is Respect. Respect for both the rules of surfing and for other wave riders. Just one rider in the water with a bad attitude can ruin a session for everyone else. Usually by showing respect to other riders, you will receive respect in return and this cycle has to start somewhere. Bodyboarders are just as responsible and capable of improving the vibe and respect in the lineup as any other wave rider. Key Areas: Positioning Analysis • Different surf spots and wave types have different size take off areas (see The Project 1) ranging from spots with multiple peaks to long pointbreaks to reefbreaks with very compact take off areas. • Positioning within a lineup becomes an increasingly important factor at very crowded spots, or at breaks with a smaller take off zone. • Within the lineup, the basic positions you will find riders in are: > Positioned further out, intending to get the bigger waves (this article will refer to it as the ‘Outside’) > Positioned just on the take off zone,
Positioning
Compact takeoff zone
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giving the most options for all size waves (this article will refer to it as the ‘Pack’) > Positioned very close to the impact zone or down the line of the breaking wave, hoping for a wave to miss the main pack of the lineup (this article will refer to it as the ‘Inside’) Take note of the experience level of the lineup and take your positioning cues from any locals or riders that appear to know the spot well. At a good position in the lineup, check for land markers to have a reference of that position Check if there is a system of positioning that other riders use to stay out of the way of a surfer taking off. Never place yourself in a position where riders will need to avoid you when taking off on waves.
Approach • Positioning on the Inside means you are looking to snag any waves that break further in or swing wide of the pack. Usually this requires being quick to react to catch those waves, as well as being quick to get out of the way when bigger waves roll through. • Positioning in the Pack means you are able to access most wave sizes, but are also competing with the majority of other riders. Work your way towards a priority position on the inside and be aware of riders who have been waiting longer than you. Pick off waves that put you in the best position to claim priority. • Positioning on the Outside requires patience. Wait for other riders to get a few waves without hassling them and then choose a wave that gives you the most obvious priority. Communicate your intent to go for a wave with body language or calling for it amongst the other riders on the outside. This area of the lineup often falls into a rhythm or ‘pecking order’ and you need to be consistent to establish a role in the order. • Use land markers by positioning yourself perfectly and then finding 2 highly visible fixed objects on the shoreline that line up one in front of the other. The further away the back marker is from the front marker, the more accurate the positioning system will be. Try to find markers as square to the break as possible so that they work for waves breaking both further out and closer in.
Spread out takeoff zone
• Using markers at waves that break consistently in one place, such as reef breaks, is probably the most rewarding technique for being effective in the lineup, both with crowds and when you ride alone. Priority Analysis • Gaining priority is usually all about patience and waiting your turn, but also not losing focus and missing out on potentially good waves. • Keeping your priority can sometimes require a bit of work as other riders move around and you need to maintain your position relative to them. • Choosing the right time to use your priority is fairly crucial to being effective in the lineup • Every time you paddle to catch a wave, you will lose your priority, even if you didn’t catch that wave. Possible exceptions would be if you were snaked or dropped in on, but this really depends on the vibe of the crowd. Approach • Priority is gained through a combination of getting into the best position and knowing who has been waiting longer. • Pick your ‘contests’ carefully. Be aware of which riders are turning for a particular wave and assess their priority compared to yours. • Keep in mind that the best position for takeoff is not always in a priority position and this is where things get interesting. At a spot with a shifty peak or a strong current, it can happen that the guys with a better priority position are off the peak. This is why the lineup is constantly moving around and is such a dynamic factor in catching waves. • Often when a wave stacks up out the back there is a sudden shuffling around of people trying to get in position to get the wave. This is often a great time to reposition yourself for the next wave or the next set without causing any trouble. • Snaking another rider who is going for a wave by suddenly turning on their inside is a quick way to become unpopular, even if the wave or your skill allows you to be in a better position than them.
Catching Waves Analysis • Gaining priority is half the battle won, actually catching the wave that you want is the next step. • The key factors in both physically catching a wave and in reducing the amount that you are hassled by other riders are: Confidence, Commitment and Calling • Stroking for a wave with confidence leaves the other riders with less doubt that you will actually catch it. • Being committed means that when you turn and go for a wave, you don’t back down. If other riders learn that you don’t commit then you become an easy victim of their hassling. • Calling for waves is really a last resort because ideally everyone has seen you turn and go with confidence and commitment, and has left the wave for you. • These key factors will reduce the amount of riders paddling for the same wave in hope that you will let it go, which in turn allows you to actually focus on catching and riding the wave. Approach • Paddling with confidence is both about being effective and about communicating your intent. Clean, powerful paddling is usually enough, but everyone has their own way of showing intent to go for a wave. Try and avoid splashing everyone with frantic kicking, rather dig your fins deep to get a full power stroke and more speed. • Paddling with commitment not only reduces the amount of wasted waves, but is a key factor in earning respect from other riders. This is especially true if you take a beating on a late or deep takeoff. Stick with your intent to catch each wave that you go for and the reward will be that other riders will hassle you less. • When calling for a wave, generally a friendly hoot or whistle is good enough to get the attention of someone who is also going for your wave because they either don’t know you are behind them, or if you are going to catch it. Using aggressive language or tone rarely helps much and puts unnecessary strain on the vibe in the water. • In the event that you do not catch the wave, you will most likely be sitting right in the middle of the takeoff zone. This is can be a dangerous place to be, but also annoying to any rider trying to catch the next wave. So try to clear out of the zone as quickly as possible, preferably in a direction that will not interfere with the next wave.
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the project Back to basics Using Markers
If you are on the shoulder the back marker moves to the left *
If you are too deep the back marker moves to the right *
On the shoulder
Too deep The markers will be more accurate if they are further apart
* This example is for a left breaking wave
Understanding Surfers Analysis • There are many different vehicles for wave riding, and they all have their own methods of catching and enjoying waves. Not all of them will be at one type of spot or require the same conditions, but it is important to learn to integrate with everyone as harmoniously as possible. • The most common and most important to understand, are regular surfboard riders. And using that understanding will avoid unnecessary conflict in the lineup. • Bodyboarders have certain advantages to catching and riding waves that are different to surfers and vice versa. Each discipline will always try to utilise their advantages and avoid their weaknesses, but this should never be at the expense of the Basic Rules. Bodyboarders: • Have the advantage at shallow or heavy waves that break quickly • Can turn and go very quickly and handle late drops. • Have greater endurance from using both arms and legs, and are capable of more powerful bursts of speed over a
shorter distance. • Will usually sit closer to the take off zone looking for short and quick paddle ins. • Can time their take off later and are only committed to the wave at the last moment. Surfers: • Have the advantage at fast moving or very large waves because they can ride faster • Can use bigger boards for bigger or faster waves and have fins for control at high speed. • Can be more efficient in paddling with bigger boards that have less drag and faster paddling speed. • Will usually sit further out from the take off zone giving them space to build up speed into the take off zone. • Try to time their take off earlier to pop to their feet, and are committed to the wave sooner. • These factors and differences mean that when surfers and bodyboarders are in the same lineup, their dynamic and movement is also different and this can be frustrating for both disciplines.
Understanding Surfers: Positioning
• Approach • In theory, avoiding conflict between surfers and bodyboarders is easy if everyone is just respectful to their fellow wave riders, but in practice it takes an understanding and an application of that understanding. • Respect the commitment it takes for a surfer to catch a wave and make the takeoff. Avoid turning around at the last minute on the inside of a surfer and calling for priority, often they won’t even be able to pull back in time and the drop in happens regardless of their intent. • Communicate your intent earlier than you would need to for another bodyboarder. • Paddling for waves that surfers might not catch as a ‘backup’ option is not a bad idea, especially on crowded days, but avoid getting in the way or pushing down any sections which might ruin the wave and cause a bad vibe. • Always honour the basic rules of surfing, and be friendly to other riders
Conclusion
Figuring out the dynamic of a crowded lineup and learning to fit within that system will be a huge step forward in not only getting more waves each session but in reducing the stress that is associated with surfing in crowds. The recognition of how accountable bodyboarders can be for tension in a lineup will be an important step towards avoiding conflict with other riders in the water, both as an individual and as a community. Ultimately, the result of applying this knowledge should be that you gain a reputation and respect for being a rider that is respectful and is consistent in positioning, catching and riding waves, who is therefore not worth hassling for waves.
Need longer paddle into a wave Need straighter line into a wave
Usually sit further out
Need shorter paddle into a wave Can use angled line into a wave
Usually sit closer in Impact Zone
Understanding Surfers: Takeoff
Surfers start to paddle earlier Surfers are committed to the takeoff sooner
Bodyboarders can paddle later
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Bodyboarders are committed to the takeoff later
Disclaimer The Project is a guideline only, intended to encourage personal awareness and knowledge of the ocean, not dangerous behaviour. Always be careful and use common sense around the ocean. Please feel free to forward any questions or feedback to theproject@sixty40.co.za
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Josh Garner at "The Right" Western OZ by jamiescottimages.com
Jared Houston. Shot by Ray Collins Jared giving the true meaning of "hang on for dear life" as he wrestles a giant foamball
Ph: 031 313 0327 www.turbosurfdesigns.com.au