Back on the Stoke

18 months ago I decided to set off on a different path and put my competitive surfing on hold. It was hard at first and at one stage didn't surf for 9 months. Something that you live for and do everyday taking a backseat. I jumped on a yacht in the Caribbean doing charters with not much time off to get in the water.

As much as I wanted to take my money after the season and go get lost somewhere with warm water and waves, I decided to head to the Med and try find more work, delaying that much needed surf time even more... 

I was lucky enough to find work on a great Superyacht but the plan was to be based in the Med where waves are pretty rare. Next thing we were off to Malaysia and closer to finding waves. We surfed some small beaches that were probably half a foot, never the less, I was frothing out!

We got the go ahead to head to the Maldives just over a month ago, where the waves are plentiful!

And then I found myself back in my happy place with cooking waves, warm water and good mates to share it all with. At times its hard to stick to a new life plan, especially when it means sacrificing your day to day passion. But keep the bigger picture in mind and things have a funny way of working out. I couldn't be more stoked to see my work and passion come together again.

Photo: Sam Gardner

What goes through your head as you about to drop in to a bomb like this?
Photo: Sam Gardner

Simone you legend! Still one of the best feelings, carrying the world champ on my shoulders with my dad!

Edge of the World!

Made a sneaky midweek mission with the boys to a spot that doesn't break that often, but when it does it goes off! We weren't sure what to expect but paddled out anyway and got some nuggets! Myself and Deen Hill took a couple snaps just incase nobody believed us;) It was an awesome day shared with good friends and the beers went down like mothers milk that evening!

Justin Bing

Justin Bing

Deeen Hill

Matt Fenton

Deen Hill

Mike Malan

Jono Malan

Xpression on the beach SUP store

Xpression SUP and Surf store is the oldest Stand Up Paddleboarding store in Africa! With their highly experienced staff and top of the range equipment, this is the place to come whether you are interested in buying a new SUP or just joining in on a lesson from out ISA approved instructors!

SA SUP and Longboard champ, sharing his knowledge on SUP with the group from Ticket to Ride!

ISA Instructor Tyran showing us how it is done!

One of the CoreGirls Kylie taking the drop on a Muizenberg bomb!

SA Champs Vic Bay 2012

SA Longboard Champs took place in the perfect location of Vic Bay this year.
Day 1 started off with really fun 2 to 3 foot waves offering perfect noseriding conditions, one particular nose ride by Nikki Tricket earned her a well deserved 10 point ride, the first one of the contest!
As the event progressed there were talks of a huge swell arriving by the final day. Sure enough we were woken up by the rumbling of the ocean on Saturday morning and 8 to 10 foot sets rolling in.
After much debate contest director Bryan Salter decided to send out the Open Repercharge. The jump off to get into the line-up had to be perfectly timed or else you could spend the rest of your heat paddling and pushing under. There were some bombs coming through with each province shouting and whistling from the rocks as one of their team mates dared to take the drop.
Every one held their breath when about 20 minutes into the heat the biggest set of the day rolled in on the horizon. Brad Weare was left by himself at the backline where he got drilled wave after wave until he finally ended up on the beach. That was when the decision was made to put the contest on hold with hopes of the swell dropping.
The action resumed at 10h00 with some solid sets still pulling in.
It was amazing as every individual from ages 13 to 65 braved the conditions and decided to paddle out.
With a total of 9 boards being broken on the final day and countless epic rides it was an incredible end to a wave-filled week in Vic Bay!

Bianca Buitendag Open Ladies and Junior Girls winner competing and dominating at her home break.
Pic thanks to Jeff Ayliffe

Deon Bing charging hard and ending up with a 2nd in the Senior Mens division.
Pic thanks to Brenton Geach

Justin Bing, Open mens winner!

Get in the water!!!

 91 year old John

This is something for all you guys out there who constantly have an excuse as to why you don't want to try surfing... ahhh, its too cold, ahh, Im too fat, ahh Im too old! 

IF THESE TWO GUYS CAN DO IT, ANYBODY CAN!!!

See you in the water:-)

Free Surf pics

A couple of pictures taken by Cape Town Sports Photography on my Stubby 7,6 paddleboard down at Scarborough a couple weeks ago!