Category: Surf Sessions

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Chasing the goose – surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Chasing the goose – surfing the KZN South Coast in summer

Surfing the KZN South Coast in summer…Onshore, offshore, side-shore, cross-shore day to day. Bluebottles, sunburn traffic and brown water, dawn patrols and of course chasing the proverbial golden goose. I woke up way too early the other morning again to a sweet and very uncharacteristic offshore careening down the river. A little after dawn I am staring at the sea with a coffee and of course no-one to surf with- again, it get’s a little ‘Groundhog’ around here sometimes especially out of season, I find myself scrambling madly through my phone trying to conjure someone to surf with- no joy, everyone’s stuck in the real world- a curse and a blessing this existence…and no one is answering the phone. Plan B I hunt my evergreen older brother Shonalanga, and phantom Nephew Buzz down and an anxious hour or two scratches by until all three of us are in the car with the camera charged headed to a brand new surfspot! You see I have been hunting new waves- especially slabby reefbreaks my whole life. A little bird told me about a particularly chunky little wave the boogieboarders love to ride, and I had been on a mission to find it. Turns out the wave I thought was ‘Flintstones’ turns out to be just another perfect little bend of reef peeling into a rocky bay just around the corner!

To cut a long story to smithereens Sean drew the short straw and was elected as filmer and we got to finally start shooting for our project in collaboration with Gazo and Justin at Wedge surfboards to film and test these crazy new sleds they are making. Quite literally building chassis into surfboards with crazy concave and Modern Planing Hull technology. Stay tuned for more in this video I am riding the latest C-Link model 5’5 and Buzz is riding the Air-Bender 5’5 as well which is one of the fastest and most responsive boards I have ever ridden- you just have to be completely on your game to ride them properly…

If you see us lurking the KZN South coast surfing this Summer- come check these boards out, if you are interested in buying one we will set you up and you can try a test board for a couple sessions-no more!!!

Surfing the KZN South Coast in summer
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Surfing Tofo shorebreak

Nathan Plomaritis flying

Surfing Tofo shorebreak

Surfing Tofo shorebreak through the high tide is a great option when the waves aren’t that good at the points.

The rapidly shifting sand and currents in the bay have made for so many configurations over the years. Right now it’s pretty much an a-frame right in front of Nordin’s Lodge, between Wayani Pariango and Fatima’s.

Earlier this year, it formed up as a looooong right hander with barreling sections rivaling those normally found at Tofinho and Barra. It held the crowd well, everybody and his dog enjoyed the two weeks of cranking superbank type waves. This wave started way up top and peeled right past in front of the hotel – which was filled with spectators at the afternoon after-work session.

This month we have been visited by the spirited Plomaritis family, who took the prevailing seasonal raging onshores with grace and dvd’s, and were rewarded neatly enough, with some great sessions at The Dragon and here out front at Praia do Tofo.

Nathan Plomaritis flyingNathan Plomaritis flying down the line in front of Nordins Lodge in TofoSurfing Tofo shorebreak: Team Mom and Dad Plomaritis leave a few for the kids

The Sardine can set you up with a unique surfing adventure anywhere along the Southern African seaboard. Get in touch to chat about your requirements. (Let’s go by boat!)

 

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Shane Sykes Wins Volcom TCT “Rhinofish” Video Trials

Shane Sykes Wins Volcom TCT “Rhinofish” Video Trials

Fresh news in from Chris Lepan…

Shane Sykes (19) from Salt Rock, KZN, is the winner of Volcom South Africa’s TCT “Rhinofish” video trials in association with Monster Energy and Zigzag Surfing Magazine.

 

The competition called for any South African surfer under the age of 20 to submit a one minute video clip showcasing their skills.

 

Video submissions were open over a four week period, from 1 April 2016, with a total of 15 entries when the competition closed on the 28 April 2016. Public voting was open throughout the contest allowing the public to have their say, with contestants using social media to grab the public’s attention and collect votes from viewers, peers and friends.

 

Shane’s video entry showcased one minute of his explosive surfing from around the globe. As part of his prize, Shane will be flying off to California to compete for US$30, 000 in Volcom’s internationally recognised 2016 Totally Crustaceous Tour Global Championships, taking place 14-17 June 2016 at one of the world’s most rippable waves, Lower Trestles.

 

“I’m so stoked on the win and psyched to be going back to California. I cant wait to surf Trestles with only three other people in the water. At the moment, I’m on location in the Telo Islands and receiving the news of this win really is a dream come true.” -Shane Sykes, Volcom TCT “Rhinofish” video trials winner.

 

A frame from Shane Sykes’ (Pictured) winning entry.

 

A prize for the best edited clip was introduced to the competition, with many entries capturing the attention of the judges and the public. Dane Staples’ edit of Jordy Maree (Cape Town) won “Best Edit”, with the majority of votes, and will receive a R5000 hamper from Volcom for his efforts.

 

“I’m so super stoked to take out ‘Best Edit’, and it was rad to be involved in an epic competition. Thanks to Jordy Maree, Volcom, Zigzag, Monster energy and everyone involved and congratulations to Shane.” -Dane Staples, winner of Volcom’s TCT “Rhinofish” video trials ‘Best Edit’.

 

Dane Staples won ‘Best Edit’ for his entry of Jordy Maree (Pictured).

 

“The level of surfing by all the submissions is really high, it shows that there is plenty of talent coming through in South Africa and I am absolutely blown away by the amazing clips that have come through. On behalf of Volcom we would like to congratulate Shane Sykes on winning the entry into the Totally Crustaceous Tour Global Championships and wish him all the best at Trestles.” -Paul Canning, brand manager of Volcom SA.

 

Lower Trestles, California. Home to the TCT Global Championships. ©WSL

 

Congratulations to Shane Sykes, the official winner of Volcom South Africa’s TCT “Rhinofish” video trials in association with Monster Energy and Zigzag Surfing Magazine.

 

A frame from Shane Sykes’ (Pictured) winning entry.

 

Dane Staples won ‘Best Edit’ for his entry of Jordy Maree (Pictured).

 

 

*Words by Chris Leppan

 

 

 
Disseminated by:

Olivia Jones Communications

 

For more information please contact:

Olivia Jones Communications

Cell: 083 653 1720

Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
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Roosta Rollin’ at the Retro

Roosta Rollin’ at the Retro

We rolled into the Llandudno parking light, early after traveling down from Port Nolloth all night. We thought it was a fancy dress day at the beach. Liquorice all sorts were scattered around. Mexicans mainly. All droving down towards the life saving club.

We knew The Roosta was in town. With his two lovely ladies, Jo and Malia, and Llands was a good enough place to start.

Then it became clear – we had arrived on the day of the Vudu Rollin’ Retro annual event.

The waves were huge by Llandudno standards. Heaving 8 ft close outs giving way to the odd manageable peak, but the whole scene – far from manageable.

And there was The Roosta, family and all, scheduled to surf in the last heat of the day. Having not seen each other for over six months, there were a few broken and missing boards to forget about, and the party was on.

Corona beer and Jimelda Tequila were the sponsors and so the day unfolded. By the time Roosta was scheduled to paddle out, we had all quenched out thirsts nicely.

The final heat paddled out into a howling side shore and unrelenting sets. But The Roosta found himself completely at home in the wild conditions and soon had racked up the three best waves of the entire day. Including one barrel ride that will be etched into the memories of every spectator present.

Roosta and brothers
The Roosta and brother and brother from another mother Trent Van Der Bijl celebrating hard

An amazing event that grows in size and stature as fast the waves it is traditionally held in!

 

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Flashback: Brucifire and The Roosta surfing the Kei

Flashback: Brucifire and The Roosta surfing the Kei

Flashback: Brucifire and The Roosta surfing the Kei. This clip from the movie Shaloha.

A good 10 years back, Roosta had just gotten quite a nice deal going with a corporate bunch making baggies and shorts and things, when we decided to kidnap Brucifire and take him north, to make a manovie, in good old Mozambique.

We had a long way to go, so decided that a few days in the good old Transkei might be needed, to fuel us with waves, before hitting that two-day drive to Pomene. We tried some acting on the way – Bruce got some great lines in…

But it’s all about the surfing and this session depicts Brucifires gung ho attitude as hollow waves unloaded harshly on a shallow bar, at a secret spot near St. Nowhere. Roosta does a great job of mimicking Bruces outlandish but flowing style of surfing, on one or two of the steep drops.

And stick it out for some ‘big as it can get’, Saint Mikes…with a bunch of kamikaze’s on it, including our very own Heather Clarke and Louis Wolmarans! And lots of commentary from the peanut gallery. Bruce on camera – thanks Bruce!

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