Sixty40 Bodyboarding Magazine #17 - The Champion by Sixty40 Bodyboarding

{ISSUE 17 // 2012}

THE CHAMPION

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cover Sacha Specker by Alex Leon

SACHA SPECKER 2012 WORLD DROPKNEE CHAMPION

//THE champion

cham·pi·on A person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, especially in sports. Issue 17 is celebrating our very own Dropknee World Champion, Sacha Specker. This issue delves into the mind of one of the hardest working individuals in our sport, and in our humble opinion, the best waterman in the country. But that’s not all, we also drop a profile on Dylan Van Tonder, a very talented individual hailing from the usually wave starved Port Elizabeth as well as Luke Kitchin, the current SA Junior Champion. And just to round it off, we have an article on the boys from the dirty south hitting Sumatra. Be sure to check the exclusive clip, courtesy of Josh Kleve, linked to the article. As it’s our final issue for the year, have a safe festive season filled with waves and see you in 2013. ED ~ Ian Kruger

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This image and the cover shot in Mexico, Puerto Escondido in and around the IBA MEXICO PRO - Zicatela 2012 event. Images by Alex Leon.

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Richards Bay

by Rudi Stadler

The year has been good for us in Richards Bay and the warm Indian Ocean pushed some lovely swell this way. Our local Port peoples – more like the wave gods, decided to commission our Dredger to suck up unwanted sand and spit it into a shallow slab or bank creating a really sick wave on our main beach. Besides this our local Boogie club, Northcore Bodyboarding Club hosted some club contest for our boogers to take part in. Xander Farrell was a standout and is one to keep an eye on in the near future. Old school booger, Niel Blom also returned to the competitive scene & rumour has it Rheinhard will be pushing real hard to complete the SABA circuit & maybe even a IBA Trial next year … who knows. Nicolas Westman was awarded the "Northcore Most Progressive Rider" trophy for his big boosts and dedication during the last year.

Durban

by Michael Ostler

Where do I start … Durban has been amazing. I cannot recall a time where there haven’t been waves for more than a couple days. Lots and lots of east swell pushing into the bay giving North Beach some very consistent waves. Been awesome to see the local pumping regularly. Bodyboarders owning the line ups and the amount of bodyboarders around has been blowing my mind. In recent years, the line up at North Beach was rarely dominated by bodyboarders. This year it has been. There seems to be a lot more respect for bodyboarders in the water and more importantly a big respect for one another. Cave Rock has been absolutely amazing. Most mornings there has been proper waves and once again, a ton of bodyboarders out representing and not standing down to people who choose to stand up. It’s been really awesome being apart of this all. Bodyboarders holding their own and just ripping, boosting and just straight up killing it. It’s been a pleasure being apart of this uprising. I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

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Lower South Coast (KZN) Eastern Province by Terence Pieters

Ah the old faithful Dirty South. Good waves, good weather, friendly people and of course amazingly talented bodyboarders.These past few weeks we've been going through some intense weather, hectic rain causing some floods, but surprisingly it has blessed us with really good banks at most beaches. Lucien has still got its fun inside but the outside has been producing epic waves. Both Margate and Uvongo have good outside banks with a fun inside bowl. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so great to see everyone so amped on the sport and always frothing to get in the water. Three standouts these couple of months have got to be Wesley Coetzee, Michael Mynhardt and J.C Johnson, always busting out in every session. These guys have definitely got a promising future bodyboarding.Well thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it from me, till next time keep it real.

by James Jones

This year in the Eastern Province has definitely been a transition year for us but through this there has been some great standouts from various guys riding for us and some really great stories of waves! Firstly, outside of the safe haven of Port Elizabeth, stories of some reefs being scored by one of our younger members Pieter Meiring, living in the "Slum" town of East London and having little to no-one to surf with, I constantly receive report of good to great waves that he has been having which really warms my heart with pure jealousy! On the other hand, at home here in Port Elizabeth, there have been many fruits throughout the year, me and fellow member DVT have had some really memorable surfs in the land of Left Handers and Wedges that will blow your brains! We have had a constructive year with some exciting prospects for the future, we are all very excited for the next few years and so stoked to see that bodyboarding in South Africa is progressing and not the other way around! sixty40.co.za

Southern Cape

by Francois De Kock

The Southern Cape has been up and down for the past two months due to the consistent Easterly winds and swells. The Plett area has been quiet with a few small wedge days except for one weekend where all variables lined up and produced perfect 4-6ft peaks at the Wreck. Moving east, Herolds Bay has good banks lined up which give some hope for the summer season approaching. No waves to brag about but it remained consistently fun and surfable throughout the easterly conditions with no more than 5 guys out on any given day. The perks of the Southern Cape. The guys that scored the most are no doubt the Mosselbay crew. The Easterly wind brought straight swell into the Outerpool reef and with the change of wind to the predominant Southwesterly, it produced the perfect conditions for long barrels and high flying manoeuvres.

Boland

by Kyle Cabano

Boland has been a bit still lately, with the changing of seasons we have had lots of flat days and onshore winds. There has been the odd day where Koeel Bay fires and we have received a few ramps at the other beachies like Pringle Bay and Betties Bay. On the brighter side, we are heading into summer which means offshore winds, sunny skies and for most of us big wedges! With most local bodyboarders still a bit freaked out to surf back at Koeel Bay it's mostly just been the same crew there each weekend including myself, Mafoos, Malcolm, Werner and Morne. Morne has been ripping and so is Mafoos with all his hard training for the ISA World Bodyboarding Champs taking place at the end of November. With summer around the corner there should be plenty waves. Lets just hope the waters stay safe.

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Cape Town

by Simon Heale

The shortage of good waves lately has been saddening, but with the Llandudno board rider comp a huge success in fun waves and a few spots north and south of Cape Town working in the small, early spring swells some smiles have been shared. Kalk bay has been getting some playtime in warm shark infested water and the cold Atlantic has served up ice-cream pits at 2 well known wedges. But WHY? WHY? WHY? Our annual springtime 2 week flat fest has descended upon us, causing us to take up other hobbies such as work and school. This is not working out well. But the flat spell breaks shortly and with that comes a flurry of good swells, great winds and even better times! Summertime madness is rolling in!

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By the Mule The current SA Junior Champ with some Q&A

Luke Kitchin {Interview} Hello, my name is Luke Kitchin, but you can call me Kitchin or Chicken. I live in Hout Bay and surf Llandudno, Sandy Bay, and Glen Beach. Sometimes I wish I could surf Box, which is in Australia, but where I really want to travel to is the Canary Islands to surf El Fronton. My favourite bodyboarders are Sacha Specker and Mitch Rawlins. Everybody that I know nowadays reckons that Hoek is the best sand bank along the Atlantic Coast, but my wave of choice will always be Llandudno. Gat, is a bank best served heavy and ice cold. This interview is siiiiiick. I wish I could get more exposure like this that way Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be able to put my name out there more.

Luke at Llandudno by Ronks Productions

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My advice for okes doing Eppo airs and sketchy spins, is that you need to be practicing your moves everyday no matter what the waves are like and you need to push yourself into taking bigger waves. I think Glen Beach is really a really sick wave. Is that weird? Doesn’t matter. I’m proud to be GBL. My worst grom abuse was last year for Western Province where I got a filthy haircut from Andrew Raath and the fact that my eyebrows were missing made it worse. As soon as I’m old enough to Initiate, I’m going to Give the filthiest hair cut to the groms, and Maybe a rat tail here and there. I’m still young and foolish enough to think that the Hawaii trip is way overrated so when I finish school I’ll probably end up going there to see what all the buzz is about. In the meantime I’ll just go on a trip to Bali with my school. Oh yes, I’m 16 years old and I'm the current SA champion for juniors. Does that mean Zion or Pride will sponsor me? Last thing, Megan Fox is a total babe. She’d love me back if only she knew who I was.

Cape Classic Revo by Slash Photography

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SOUTH AFRICAN DISTRIBUTION l FRESSH TOAST 031 313 0327 l russshaw@telkomsa.net

Mother's Pride Aiden Wilson

The mothers pride trophy for the best “sly Guy” began in 2008 in memory of our friend and fellow Bodyboarder Chris “crizzle” Elliot. Some people are referred to as shining stars, for those of you who did not have the opportunity to meet him Crizzle would be described as something more akin to a solar flare, he was wild, crazy, talented, full of beans, a great friend and he died too young. Jacquie (Crizzles mom) created the award to keep his memory and passion for the sport alive and to keep her in touch with the Bodyboarding community Crizzle loved so much. A “sly guy” was Crizzles term for an invert and he used to pop them pretty spectacularly too. Every year Jacquie diligently goes through the submissions looking for the invert that expresses the thrill Crizzle had for the move. Previous winners have been Ian Thurtell, Mark McCarthy and Johnny Maritz. The “Sly Guy” award for 2012 goes to Melkbos local Aiden Wilson, the youngest recipient to date. Aiden was presented the Trophy, a rock from Llandudno (crizzles local) with a sterling silver “sly guy” at The WP Prize giving in Table view in August. For 2013 submission please email Jacquie at Jacquie@truetomyheart.co.za with rider and photographers name as well as break. Low res. Photos please. and we see which sly guy gives Jacquie the crizzle thrill for 2013!

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RIDER

Storm Prestwhich

PHOTO

Sean Meets

WHERE Scottburgh

Words

This day was sick, hard to do any airs as the wave would suck almost dry on the sandbank, then shut down. I was just lucky on this wave, my sponsors will be happy with this one though, ha ha! ---Storm Prestwich

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PHOTO

Matthew 'Rex' Hodge

WHERE Deadmans

Words

Thinking back on this day, the first thing that comes to mind is the sheer amount of time Keith and Bruce spent waiting in the crowd. Their efforts were well rewarded eventually... ---Matthew 'Rex' Hodge

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RIDER

Shane Ackerman

PHOTO

Dylan Chaplin

WHERE

South Coast Oz

Words

This image shows Shane Ackerman inside some sort of fantasy dream world at a very well known beachy on the South Coast. On the day the crowds were ridiculous but no one was standing out any more than this rider himself! ---Dylan Chaplin

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RIDER

Mark Mccarthy

PHOTO AVG

WHERE

Skeleton Coast

Words

After 4hrs of riding 1km pits I could not take the walk up the point anymore... I gave up on walking all the way and ended up only walking half way. My strategy worked out as I locked into some of the longest barrels of my life surfing the middle peak. I was lucky enough to be in a thick one when the helicopter was flying by. ---Mark Mccarthy

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RIDER

James Jones

PHOTO

Kody Mcgregor

WHERE Fence

Words

I have been surfing at Fence for ages, but never had much luck with getting many shots, until Kody Mcgregor found himself in the right place to snap this shot of me driving through a clean left wedge barrel in early summer. ---James Jones

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RIDER

Storm Prestwhich

PHOTO

Simon Heale

WHERE

Silverstroom

Words

I dont know how I got this image, I was busy looking down the beach through my lens at a few new arrivals when I saw this happen in the corner of my left eye, lucky me! Storm has his head on right and has goals set for the future that I believe he will reach. ---Simon Heale

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RIDER

Ian Kruger

PHOTO

Warren Baynes

WHERE Tand

Words

Driving further than most people do when going on holiday seems insane. Driving that far in the hope that unpredictable elements come together to produce the correct conditions seems insane. Believing that you will arrive alone to enjoy perfect surf seems insane. Sometimes insanity is the only option. ---Ian Kruger

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PHOTO AVG

WHERE

Skeleton Coast

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RIDER

Johan Nortje

PHOTO

Eloise Du Preez

WHERE

Southbroom

Words

Eloise Du Preez snuck this one of me at a super fun early morning session with the SCBA team the day before SA champs at Southbroom. Tucked into a sweet barrel on this one. ---Johan Nortje

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RIDER

Nicolas Westman

PHOTO

Rudi Stadler

WHERE

Richards Bay

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RIDER

Sacha Spex Specker

PHOTO

Ian James Thurtell

WHERE Llandudno

Words

The tide was dropping all afternoon so the corner bowl was getting shallower and shallower as the sun dipped. Sacha popped this sublime backflip out of the bowl which he landed so squarely that a loud whack was heard from the beach. ---Ian James Thurtell

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RIDER

Pedro Maria Bettencourt

PHOTO

Joรฃo Pedro Rocha

WHERE

Leรงa da Palmeira (Portugal)

Words

Leรงa da Palmeira is the best place to ride a bodyboard, you can do anything you want when the spot is on fire... It is definitely my favourite spot in Portugal. ---Pedro Maria Bettencourt

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Spex. Sacha Specker is the type of guy who’d probably excel at whatever he decided to focus his energies on. F’rinstance, a lot of people will write rollerblading off as gay. Not Spex, who when he went through that particular flavour of the week got so good at it that he actually severed his nutsack while grinding a rail.

Words by The Mule Image by AVG ~ Skeleton Coast

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While discussing the current state of bodyboarding; in particular the financial disparities between our sport and, say, surfing, Spex says the following: fact, he’s very straight. Like uberstraight. Sacha Specker is German eing world champion hasn’t engineering where you need it most changed anything. I didn’t expect it on a booger. to either. I think it should though, especially when you consider that The fact that Sacha Specker was there are guys earning a living off born to a Swiss mother and a of darts. We may be a small sport, German father was always going probably making up 5% of the cash to come up in this piece. That’s that surfing makes, yet we deliver a product that’s as slick as the top surf my angle and I’ll shoehorn it in quicker than you can say event. ” Bratwurstvolkswagenporsche. Which immediately makes me think He went to the German School in Tamboerskloof… His first language of Spex standing in front of a dart is German…He travels on a Swiss board for two weeks until he’s good passport… Which explains why enough to hang up his flights and he surfs as precisely as the Swiss say, “See, no big thang.” railway system, with a repertoire of moves that would intimidate their Thing is, Spex’s entire life revolves famous army knife. When Spex is around the sea. Whether that’s on his sponge it’s like watching a photography, standup, dropknee, luxury German sedan speeding on prone or bodysurfing. He’s no an Autobahn. // sunbleached washout though; in

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Spex.

nd now that the metaphor is exhausted I’ll go on to add that he’s the proudest Saffa you’ll ever meet. Just mention Australia if you don’t believe me…

“Australia is a beautiful place, it’s just a pity about the people. I’m kidding. No I’m not. I don’t know, sometimes they just forget that there are more people in the world than just them. In some way they’re similar to us. They just lack finesse.” And unlike the Ozzies who benefit from a huge industry and massive support on tour, Sacha is still hustling. In fact, at time of interview he still needed a major benefactor to sponsor him. I factor in his stickerless situation, that it’s his first year on the dream tour and that most people would ease into it as if they were slipping into a hot bath - then ask who he reckons has the best shot at dominating the 2013 tour. There’s no hesitation in his answer. “Me. I’ll always put money on myself. I’m there to win. I’m not entering into a contest unless I’m going in to win it. I’m more dangerous in a final than in any other heat.” Spex cut his teeth on the SABA circuit, surfing the national tour until 2006, which he credits with a high level of competitiveness and professionalism. He speaks very highly of his fellow campaigners and says that he’s lucky to be in this tight-knit South African unit - the tripod that is himself Boetie and Jerry – before going on to add that Houston has never beaten him and he has McCarthy licked something like 10 – 2. //

Image by Brandon Kilbride ~ Llandudno sixty40.co.za

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Spex.

hil Rodriguez was a huge help. I was 19 and he was already 30. He taught me a lot about contests. If you want to win you have to be relentless and meticulous and you can’t give up. Phil taught me how to find weaknesses in my competitors. Get inside their head. Know what they’re going to do next and then staying one step ahead. So if I’ve got Stewart, GT and Hardy in a heat I’ll fight just as hard as if I was against Jerry in a provincial trial.” In a contest situation Spex’s riding becomes very analytical. Sure a lot is left up to luck, but that which he can control, he will – analyzing the heats leading up to his, calculating when the sets roll through, counting how many waves there are in a set, timing them… “I adjust my riding depending on the waves. How the judges are scoring. For instance, if the wave is a big closeout and guys are doing rolls, I’m going to try bust a big invert. Also the last 3 minutes of a heat are critical. Especially if you need a big score. “ And although Spex had always coordinated his travels to fit in a comp here or there, last year was the first time he’d actually done the entire tour. Something that wouldn’t have been possible if he weren’t working as media image manager for the International Bodyboarding Association.

Images by AVG ~ Skeleton Coast

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Spex.

orking for IBA has been a huge learning curve. Especially with regards to how you package and present a sport. There are a lot of very skilled people involved. But they’re not getting paid what they should, so it gets tough when it’s 10 at night and I have to ask Dallas Singer (responsible for those awesome IBA graphics) to watermark some images the night before his heat. So yah, we need money.”

New Year resolutions?

“I’m going to make the Grand Slam for 2013. Right now I’m 7th and they take the top 8, and Jeff and Amaury, who are ahead of me, are already there. So yah, I’m pretty much through. Then I just want to surf as many contests as possible. I want to do every event possible. “

Image by Brandon Kilbride ~ Llandudno

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A r o ad l e ss travelled

Watch the exclusive video of the trip.

S umatra We all had our reasons for coming on this trip, primarily of course, was the surf. And don’t get me wrong, the waves did by no means disappoint. From the punchy end bowls at Honeys to the absolute dream pits of some lesser known spots, we were down to our tits in pumping surf. I remember posting a facebook status about a week after our arrival in Krui reading something along the lines of “I wish the waves would stop pumping my body needs rest”.

My reason for this trip stretched a lot further than merely wanting to score barrels and I think a lot of you readers at home will be able to relate with me. I’m no PipelinePro legend, up-and-coming super star or supergrom. I’m just an Engineering student, the kind of guy that gets ripped off on websites like 9gag. I live for bodyboarding as much as all of you, but due to a commitment I made 4 years ago, I spend 60 hours a week studying my ass off while some other guys are out there getting pits. I didn't have money, nor did I have the financial support from the ballies to make this trip happen, but I made a decision two and a

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IMAGES AND WORDS By Johan Waal

half years ago. I said (and I literally told everyone) “I’m going to Indo in two and a half years” and that’s what I did. I saved ALL MY MONEY for two and a half years, and I did it. Not only to score waves but to get a break from the textbooks and also to prove a point. For a full time student, saving up for an overseas trip meant no beer, no snacks, no takeaways, no petrol money and four consecutive holidays spent working either in an office cubicles or on construction sites. It was tough. I had super high expectations for this trip, possibly the highest expectations of anyone on the crew. //

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The coolest thing about Sumatra is that even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an Engineering student like me, everyone is a rockstar. Coincidently, there just so happened to be a concert for the indo pop band Rock n Dut in Krui at the time that we were staying there! We had to check it out; especially since Roger was frothing to get amongst the Indo ladies. We rocked up there to find thousands of locals parked around the stage on their scooters, revving their engines to the beat and young boys freaking out their sculls to get as close to the stage as possible. Not a drip of alcohol in sight of course. People were singing along as if it was the Afrikaans verse of our National anthem. This all quickly changed as soon as we rocked up.

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Immediately the crowd turned to us, forming a massive circle around us, so we just went with it. Jamming and dancing and singing “Apache bagus!” and pretty soon we had a bigger crowd surrounding us than the actual band itself. Camera’s flashing, promo girls posing for photos with us and countless kids, even grown up’s approaching us to shake our hand and just say “Hello Mister”. It was such a cool experience, but was even topped by another occasion where we were called up onto a stage in front of a crowd of thousands of people (everyone from all the surrounding villages). They had us pull out dance moves on stage and introduce ourselves to the entire South Sumatran community purely because we are visitors. //

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Sumatra has a lot to offer apart from the surf. There is a town near Krui called Liwa, where “Kopi Luwak” is made. It’s basically coffee that’s made of rat poo, but its damn expensive. In fact, it’s the most expensive coffee in the word. We did a little mission one day to try and get hold of this coffee and quite frankly the coffee tasted like crap, but the mission was one that I will never forget. All these little things add to a surf trip and you shouldn’t just focus on surfing when you’re in a foreign country, even if it is the main reason for being there in the first place. //

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A few memorable weeks went by and slowly the crew started cruising back home, but for myself, Andre Hugo, his wife and good old Piesang, this was only the halfway mark. We had planned a trip to the Mentawaiis. The Ments, to our shock was not all sunshine and roses like we expected. If you are not on a 5 star luxury charter boat, it can get pretty rough. To give you an idea, our “Resort” was a shack on an isolated island 2 hours away (by boat) from where the main surf spots are. Just getting to the spots was life threatening at times. Passing 6ft open ocean swells in a dingy with one 40horse power engine is no joke. Especially when your “skipper” is stoned and doesn’t speak a word of English. Nevertheless the waves were good, proper good at times. Kelly Slater was out in the line-up one day at Bank Vaults one day calling it “all time”. // sixty40.co.za

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Being on a tiny isolated island tucked away in the outskirts of perhaps the most iconic archipelago in the world might seem idyllic, but after spending the first 3 days on the tiny island of Masilok, I was freaking out! There’s nothing or no one there. Just us four foreigners on a tiny island with 3 Indo’s we didn’t trust one bit. At a stage we even managed to convince ourselves that there are cannibals with us on the island and that our lives are in danger. After about the fourth day however, a calmness kicked in. A feeling that I so desperately miss now that I’m back in the swing of things in the 1st world. There’s something therapeutic about being surrounded by only white beaches and palm trees that grows on you in such a short time. At home now, I sometimes find myself subconsciously making little plans of how I can get money saved up a again, just so that I can get back there. It was worth it. Every beer I missed out on, every 3ft Kalk Bay swell I missed out on, the hard hours of work. It all paid off and I wouldn't trade the time I had in Indonesia this year for anything in the world. If you want to go, then stop making excuses and make it happen." 68

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Watch the exclusive video of the trip. sixty40.co.za

I've been cruising and bodyboarding with Dylan van Tonder for a while and I would say I know him pretty well. Most view this guy as being an absolute guru on DK, and "YES" he really is, with some really impressive results in the last few years. The truth is that he also really, really kills it on the belly too, with crazy good style and an unbelievable feel for the waves he rides... this guy has got it all! Recently, I caught up with Dylan and posed the following questions to him to give you a bit of insight into the guy I know...

aka Dylan Van Tonder 2012 SA DK Champ // Interview by James Jones.

Image by Quinten Esterhuizen

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Tell us your name, age, how long you been on the boogie and where you live? Dylan Marc Van Tonder, 23 years old, born in Port Elizabeth. Have been bodyboarding for 8 years. Where do you surf the most in P.E? And what is your favourite surf spot at home and away from home? In PE I surf “Sardinia Bay” the most, because of its consistency over the bay, but if I had to surf in the bay it would be “The Fence”. My favourite spot to surf away from home would be “Canary Islands, El Fronton” being it my first international surf experience of an A-Class wave. What are your best results since you started riding competitively? 1st place, Wedge Classic Pro Division 2010 Making the SA Team 2011 followed by winning SA Champs

Drop Knee. Achieved 2nd Place at World Games held in Canary Islands 2011. And my best result this year has been winning SA Champs Drop Knee.

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What is your favourite contest on the SABA circuit? My favourite SABA Event would be Wedge Classic, because of its “vibey” atmosphere, hanging out at the beach with mates, filled with a variety of fun activities and most of all the eventful after party. What spot in S.A. would you love to see a contest formed for the circuit? Without a doubt West Beach Port Alfred, being every surf has never disappointed. Who are your sponsors and what gear are you riding at the moment? Thiel Board Co. Surfing The 031 42.5” as well as The TDK 43”. Mexican “MXNDOG” Surf wear. Maniac Bodyboarding Accessories. I’m honoured to be sponsored by sickest brands in South Africa.

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Image by Quinten Esterhuizen

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Image by James Jones

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So we know that you can dropknee pretty darn well, sometimes people look past your abilities as a prone rider, what kind of rider do you more see yourself as? Prone or DK and what do you prefer Rights or Lefts? DK Stance? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see myself as a versatile rider, because when I started out, I would DK right-hand point breaks and Prone left-hand beachies and reef breaks. Over the years I have grown into being able to surf DK and Prone on both rights and lefts. Who have been the people that have really pushed your riding and why? My riding has been influenced by many people. But the individuals that I consider to have pushed my riding over the years would be; Marc Jucker, Justin Lindsay and Grant Clegg. Because they have been supportive, motivating, encouraging and always striving to ensure that you give your best of your abilities in all that you do.

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Name your favourite bodyboarder and why?

What is you favourite manoeuvre?

Mitchell Rawlins, hands down! Because of him raising the standards of bodyboarding year in year out. And who's to forget his “Inverts”.

Invert to Air Reverse. If you could change something or wish for something to happen for SA bodyboarding, what would it be? I wish for South African Bodyboarding to be recognised and respected in the same light as our other highly ranked sports, in terms of funding.

Why do you bodyboard? Because I’ve been brought up at the coast and involved in all different water activities, I have found bodyboarding to be the most challenging and satisfying water sport. As well as the many great people I have met through bodyboarding, all striving towards the best for our sport.

What are your hobbies besides riding your boogie? Spear-fishing, stand-up surf, maintaining fitness levels and playing guitar. What training do you do to keep fit? Maintaining my fitness levels is very important to me. My training would consist of running +- 15 km per week, core and paddle training, spear fishing as well as surfing in any given conditions.

Tell us what your future plans are for bodyboarding? My future plans in bodyboarding are to remain focused in making the most of every surf, keeping fit, mentally and physically and to hopefully have the opportunity in surfing international events.

Any last words? I’d like to thank my family, for being supportive in helping me pursue my dream, as well as all the locals in Port Elizabeth. A big thanks to my sponsors for all the motivation, support and for equipping me with the awesome products enabling me to progress. To the youth of bodyboarding; “Follow your dreams, work hard, practice and persevere and if you can dream it, you can do it!”

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Images by Marcel Habets

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RIDER

Rupert La Grange

PHOTO

Lourance Klose

WHERE Tand

Words

This shot was taken during one of the early rounds in the Tand Invitational 2012, Rupert la Grange on this bomb. ---Lourance Klose

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RIDER

Greg Fraser

PHOTO

Simon Heale

WHERE Llandudno

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RIDER

Terence Pieters

PHOTO

Michael Ansermino

WHERE Lucien

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RIDER

UFO

PHOTO

Mickael Michaelides

WHERE Llandudno

Words

I arrived at Llandudno and it was looking heavy but perfect. The tide was still pretty low and the bodyboarders were all over it. This gem came through and this UFO dropped in leaving me to happily snap away. ---Mickael Michaelides

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RIDER

Peter Lambert

PHOTO

Seth Phitides

WHERE Kalk Bay

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RIDER

Dune Barker

PHOTO

Marcel Habets

WHERE Uvongo

Words

I was really stoked to get that wave during my heat because there weren't many rampy ones and all I wanted to do was bang a massive invert in front of my home crowd... I bottom turned hard, hit and saw the beach... one of the sickest feelings... Uvongo power!! ---Dune Barker

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RIDER

Ryan Collins

PHOTO

Ian James Thurtell

WHERE The Hoek

Words

Ian was going to the Hoek to do a shoot for ZigZag, so I tagged along. The waves were looking fun and once I got out there something magical happened. Perfect barrels started coming through with only two other guys on it. A session to be remembered ---Ryan Collins

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RIDER

Sacha Spex Specker

PHOTO AVG

WHERE

Skeleton Coast

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RIDER

Rheinhard Du Toit

PHOTO

Rudi Stadler

WHERE

Richards Bay

Words

When it comes to winter time and the Dredger has pumped sand on the beach it is a perfect combination for epic waves with shallow banks, offshore winds and west swells. Knee deep chocolate barrels, getting blown out with a clean boosting section waiting for you to do pretty much what you want to. ---Rheinhard Du Toit

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RIDER

JC Johnson

PHOTO

Michael Ansermino

WHERE Lucien

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RIDER

Aden Kleve

PHOTO

Ross Nortier

WHERE Kalk Bay

Words

Probably one of the best days I've had at Kalk Bay, the morning of the comp started off real choppy but as the day progressed it began to clean up. By the arvo it was pumping! It was such a kiff vibe the whole day and I was stoked to have got this shot that captures what was being shared that day. ---Aden Kleve

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RIDER

UFO

PHOTO

Simon Heale

WHERE Llandudno

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RIDER

Terence Pieters

PHOTO

Michael Ansermino

WHERE Lucien

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RIDER

UFO

PHOTO

Alexander Kibble

WHERE

Off The Wall

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RIDER

Dylan Muhlenberg

PHOTO

Seth Phitides

WHERE Llandudno

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GROM FILES.

Benjy Oliver Years Bodyboarding: Almost 3 years now Home Town: Hout Bay, Cape Town School: SACS Local surfspots: Llandudno/Sandy Bay Favourite surfspot: Llandudno, it always has some ramps. Surfspots on the wishlist: Tand and Skeleton Bay look rad, also Monuments looks like the best ramp ever! Top achievements: I won WP Champs’ Boys division last year. What gear are you riding? An old VS, Churchills and an O’Niel RG8 Sponsors: Salty Liquid Clothing company Riding Style: 99% Prone, I probably stand up bodyboard more than I ride Dropknee. Do you prefer lefts or rights? Rights but I do love a good left. Favourite manoeuvre: Inverts or Reverses What manoeuvres you are working on? Trying to get an Invert to reverse or Invert to backflip but they are so hard to land! Name your favourite bodyboarder and why? Sam Bennet, so much style and control. Name your favourite and least favourite contests and why? My favourite would have to be the Wedge Classic and least favourite would be anything at Big Bay.

If you could change one thing in SA bodyboarding, what would it be? Run more comps. How did you start bodyboarding? My friend’s dad took us a few times. Then we went to one of Mark McCarthy’s clinics and it was all on from there. Why do you bodyboard? It is the best thing to do, I couldn’t spend nearly as much time on anything else. How often do you bodyboard? +5 times a week depending on the waves and if there is school. Give us your top 5 playlist: Zimbabwe (Flume remix) // Czar Rose-Faraway No.23 // The Almighty Defenders-All My Loving // Greenskeeprs-Lotion // Flume-Sleepless feat. Jezzabell Doran Favourite bodyboard DVD: 6 Months What other sports do you play? Not much, waterpolo sometimes.

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Dylan Le Roux Age: 15 Years Bodyboarding: 4 Home Town: Hermanus School: Curro Hermanus Local Surfspot: Onrus beach Favourite surfspot: Sandbaai, best ramps you will get in your life Surfspots on the wishlist: Skeleton bay, Tand and Pipeline. Top achievements: 1st Cape Classic 2012, 3rd SA Champs 2012, 2nd SABA Circuit 2012 What gear are you riding: REEF Caves bodyboard, Reef Bicep leash, Stealth S2 McCarthy Fins and Reef 4.3 Jnr Focus Z-Flex suit Sponsors: Reef and Stealth SA Riding Style: Prone - 90%, DK- 10% Do you prefer lefts or rights? Rights Dropknee Stance: Goofy Favourite manoeuvres: Inverts and backflips. What manoeuvres are you working on? Invert - Backflip Name your favourite bodyboarder and why? Brendon Backshall - love the way he rides and performs his tricks. Name your favourite and least favourite contests and why? Favourite - SA champs, the coming together of all the different provinces always creates the most awesome experiences. Least Favourite - I enjoy most competitions.

If you could change one thing in SA bodyboarding, what would it be? I would like to get the riders in SA bodyboarding more exposure. How did you start bodyboarding? Just saw the locals at Onrus Beach doing it so I thought I would try it out because I've never seen or heard of something like it before. Why do you bodyboard? I bodyboard because its the only sport I have ever put so much time and effort in and I would like to inspire other people to do it because it really changes your life ! How often do you bodyboard? All day, every day! I plan my whole life around bodyboarding! Give us your top 5 playlist: Xavier Rudd Come let go // Lil wayne - Drop the world // MGMT - Electric feel // Slightly stupid - Running with a gun Favourite bodyboard DVD: Insert name here What other sports do you play? Rugby

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Garryd Ensor-Smith Age: 15 Years Bodyboarding: 1 Home Town: Durban School: Glenwood Local Surfspot: North Beach Favourite Surfspot: Farbowl – Nice consistent hollow waves with good end bowls to practice tricks. Surfspot wishlist: Indo, Weimea Shorey, Chopes, Pipeline & Fiji. Top achievements? 2nd SA Champs 2012 What gear are you riding? Thiel Board Co bodyboard. Alley fins. No wetsuit Sponsors: Need! Riding Style: 100% Prone Do you prefer lefts or rights? Rights What is your favourite manoeuvre: ARS What manoeuvre are you working on? Perfecting ARS Name your favourite bodyboarder and why? Hard to choose. I’ve always liked Mark McCarthy cause of his style and his aggressiveness. Name your favourite and least favourite contests and why? Most favourite is School Challenge. Least favourite doesn’t exist - I love all contests.

If you could change one thing in SA bodyboarding, what would it be? More riders and different locations. Better waves for comps. How did you start bodyboarding? My mom bought me a board in Cape Town and I learnt from one of her friends in Cape Town and didn’t ever look back. Why do you bodyboard? It’s the best feeling in the world when you land a trick you been trying and getting barrelled. Best sport ever! How often do you bodyboard? 3 times a week Give us your top 5 playlist: PH phat – Jump // Swedish House Mafia - Don’t you worry child // Linkin park – Somewhere I belong // Chris Brown – Don’t wake me up // Bob Marley – Buffalo soldier Favourite bodyboard DVD: Blow up What other sports do you play? Rugby and Waterpolo

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Michael Mynhardt Age: 16 Years Bodyboarding: 5 Home Town: Manaba, Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal School: SCC Local Surfspots: Lucien & Uvongo. Favourite surfspot: Lucien is & always will be closest to the heart, anyone who has had it cooking will understand why! There's no place like home. Surfspots on the wishlist: I would dig to travel SA & surf all the waves our coastline has to offer. As well as Skeleton Bay, El Fronton, Greenbush, Pipeline... The list goes on! Top achievements: 2nd SA Champs 2011 + 2nd on 2011 SABA Circuit in the Boys division. What gear are you riding? NMD - Ben Player 42", Churchill Hubbs, Reef wife beater. Sponsors: Contrasts clothing, NMD bodyboards, Churchill swim fins, Sanuk, Future Life. Riding Style: 99% Prone, 1% drop knee. Do you prefer lefts or rights? Lefts all the way. Favourite manoeuvre: Invert on big waves, rollspin on smaller waves. What manoeuvres you are working on? Stylish air forwards & spins inside the barrel. Name your favourite bodyboarder and why? Jake Stone by far! He charges, busts & has the best style in the game.

Name your favourite and least favourite contests and why? My favourite contest would have to be the Wedge Classic, the whole contests vibe is crazy & my least favourite would have to be Cape Classic, cold water & no swell has never excited me. If you could change one thing in SA bodyboarding, what would it be? It would be really sick if we had big corporate sponsors pumping huge money into the sport so that we can market it & make it grow. How did you start bodyboarding? I started off on a surfboard & since a 'mess around' bodyboarding session with the older crew of bodyboarders at Uvongo I've been hooked & never looked back. Why do you bodyboard? Bodyboarding is what makes me a happy person, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how I express myself. How often do you bodyboard? As often as possible which is usually 1-3 times during the week due to school sport & you'll find me at the beach every weekend. Give us your top 5 playlist: The general â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dispatch // Right above it - Lil Wayne ft. Drake // Swing life away - Rise Against // Animal - Miike Snow // Nightmares of the bottom - Lil Wayne Favourite bodyboard DVD: 6months

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Michael Searle Age: 16 Years Bodyboarding: 5 Home Town: Plettenberg Bay School: York High Local surfspot: Plett Wedge Favourite surfspot: Plett Wedge. Great waves and I can surf it uncrowded just me and my boet. Surfspot wishlist? Skeleton Bay - MAD lefts! Top achievements? 3rd Wedge Classic 2012 (Boys), 1st SCBA Trials (Pro) What gear are you riding? Turbo V and Churchill Makapuu Sponsors: Salty Liquid Clothing Co. Riding Style: 85% Prone / 15% DK Do you prefer lefts or rights? Lefts Dropknee Stance: Natural Favourite manoeuvre: Air Reverse What manoeuvre you are working on? Invert to Air Reverse Name your favourite bodyboarder and why? Dallas Singer. Super stylish rider who surfs left wedges and always amps me up, what more can I ask for..

Name your favourite and least favourite contests and why? Favourite: Wedge Classic. It’s my home break. I love comps. How did you start bodyboarding? Sampi inspired me while a laaitie with my Wave Warrior. Why do you bodyboard? It’s where I feel calm and take my anger out. How often do you bodyboard? Every weekend and in the holidays all day every day. Give us your top 5 playlist: PH FatKill the universe and pretty much all the Parkway Drive songs. Favourite bodyboard DVD: Grow Up What other sports do you play? Cricket, Squash and Surfing

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Xander Farrell Age: 16 Years Bodyboarding: About 4 years Home Town: Richards Bay School: Richards Bay High school Local Surfspots: Alkantstrand / Kleiklip / Superbank / Sandies Favourite surfspot: Alkantstrand, There are many firing spots, always one to surf if the other aren't working and they are all within walking distance. Surfspots on the wishlist: Indo & Oz Top Achievements: Top seeded in NKZN Boys & Junior divisions. What gear are you riding: Stealth Boogie, Churchill fins & Reef leashes. Sponsors: None. Hopefully in the near future. Riding Style: Prone 85% / DK 15% Do you prefer left or rights: Rights. Dropknee Stance: Regular Favourite manoeuvre: Backflip What manoeuvres are you working on: TOP SECRET! Farrell Flip ;-). Forward Air. Name your favourite bodyboards and why: PLC - he flips like a machine … AMAZING. Mark McCarthy, his combos are sick.

Name your favourite and least favourite contests: WBBC placed 3rd in Juniors. Koko's - I never get the waves. If you could change one thing in S.A. Bodyboarding, what would it be: Sponsors should distribute themselves all over and not just because they are friends or live in a big cities. There are riders that are really good but aren't sponsored because they are from a small town. How did you start bodyboarding: Messed around with a couple of friends & started taking it serious. Why do you Bodyboard: It's at the beach, my home…and something I enjoy doing. Also because every session is a new experience. (Can't compare with rugby or cricket or every day commercialised sport.) Give us your top five playlist: Jimmy eat World – Let it Happen // Fisherspooner – Emerge // Sandro Silva Quintino // Carl Tricks – Mad dash bingo players // Bingo Players – Majestic Soul Favourite Bodyboard DVD: Contrast.

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