When Marschant thought up the idea of starting a surf mag dedicated to the everyday people who make up the real surfing world, this is the kind of article I’m sure he had in mind. When asked these questions, most responses seem to be very similar.
I suppose this could be because those surfers who get interviewed and whose opinions seem to be so important, have looked up to those who were interviewed before them and have naturally emulated their heroes. There’s certainly nothing wrong with looking up to successful people, trying to be like them and in turn being successful yourself. There is a problem though, when that’s all there is.
This is but one reason why I’m stoked to be a Swell Guy. So, in keeping with our aspirations to change the world (albeit just the surfing world), have a look at what some surfers out there have to say about life, love and everything else.
But first, a little bit of an introduction: In our quest to define the true meaning of surfing we interviewed three guys between the ages of 35 and 41 who started surfing in their late twenties, a time when most surfers their age had already been surfing for a good number of years.
This is who they are and what they have to say…
KADER: Living in Johannesburg for a while and only then realising how beautiful Cape Town is.
LIONEL: This is an old childhood dream. I was born far away from any sea, but love watersport. I thought that I could not postpone it any longer and at long last organised an initial lesson about 2 years ago. No comeback since!
GARTH: Lots of beer, a drunken discussion and the fact that we (Pat and I) thought it looked easy, we couldn’t have been further from the truth.
KADER: I was surviving.
LIONEL: Running, Rowing, Handball, Kayaking, Surfski, Sailing…
GARTH: Wind-surfed for 20 years.
KADER: You (Darryl Brandreth), Clint & Justin Stevens, Jabu and who ever I had the priviledge of sitting in the water with…
LIONEL: Fiona & David Chudleigh, from the Surf Shack in Muizenberg, for all their help and enthusiasm, Quinton Jones, who took me seriously despite the huge gap in class…
GARTH: My everyday surfing mates, Dwight and Pat…
KADER: I have no role models.
LIONEL: There are many great people out there that I admire. Not all of them are public figures: Jack Johnson, Nathalie Du Toit and Josiah Thughwane to name but a few.
GARTH: Kelly Slater.
KADER: Enjoy it while you can.
LIONEL: Keep it up, and ask for advice and help as much as possible, surfers are always keen to assist and are very helpful.
GARTH: Start with a mate, never give up and go as often as you can, and if you live in Cape Town – move to Durban, warm water, surfing before work, and there’s nothing like seeing surfer chicks in bikini’s out at back line.
KADER: It's expensive!
LIONEL: Best thing I have ever done!
GARTH: A little less agro and a little more respect goes a long way to making it enjoyable for everyone.
That, as they say, is a wrap. Three everyday people, three unique perspectives.
If you've enjoyed this article don't miss Kaleidoscope: Q&A with surfers from the Rainbow Nation, a documentary by one of our very own! Download some short previews in our Full Motion Gallery now!
Many thanks to Kader, Lionel and Garth for taking the time out to let us interview them.
By Darryl Brandreth.
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Kader cooking supper at Elands Bay
Lionel in front of The Surf Shack
Garth on his way to perfection in Bali
If anyone has pictures of him,i would appreciate if you could forward it to me. Thanks