Patrick aka “Rasta” has been around Muizenberg for a good couple of years now. Formerly as a “gaurtjie” keeping a watchful eye on all those bling 4x4’s that cruise the car park but now playing the all important role of keeping us surfers safe from what we probably fear the most…
Patrick has been a great asset to the False Bay surfing fraternity. He used to open cans of whip-ass on the “skebengas” who hang out in the car-park wanting to steal either your car or peeks at your girlfriend.
Many have befriended him and have come to know him as an honest hard working guy with a passion for the people out in the lineup. He’s even found his way into the surf to found out if the grass is truly greener on the other side.
Currently Patrick holds the lives of many in his hands, here’s what the man in charge had to say.
My name is Patrick Davids, aka “Rasta” and I'm a Shark Spotter.
I used to look after peoples cars at Muizenberg while they went surfing or walking down the beach, now I look after their lives. I am a shark spotter. You’ll find me sitting up at Boyes Drive everyday looking after my surfers.
It all started when J.P Andrews got attacked by a Great White a year or 2 ago. Fiona Chudliegh (a paranoid surf mom) gave me my first pair of binoculars. She was very inspiring and supportive even when there was no money coming in to pay me. She used to take money out of her own pocket to help me out.
Fiona and I did our First Aid Level 1 together and with most emergencies on the beach she was always me. I’ve learnt a lot from her and she’s even got me surfing now! Thanks Fiona.
The shark spotters are a non profit organization, we depend on businesses and shops for funding. We have now employed 2 more spotters, Monwabisi, a lifeguard at Strandfontein and Justin, at Nine Miles are permanent staff members of the organization.
We are based on Boyes Drive and spot 24/7 come wind, rain, sun or blistering cold, often with nothing but an umbrella to protect us. Our work hours are from 8am to 6pm and we do a five hour split shift.
Shark spotting, first aid and beach safety are our main concerns. We’ve come to know the sharks in our bay so well, that along with the help of D.E.A.T and U.C.T we’ve named them. (Yes, unfortunately they do dominate the line up these days, and no, the 6 meter shark’s name is not Grant Spooner, although the mistake has often been made)
Currently we are studying their movement patterns and behavior very closely. In other words, we’re getting to know them better than they know themselves.
Well ladies and gentleman, Rasta has left the building!
Thank you for shedding some light on this contentious subject. Just don’t ask him what’s on the menu; we surfers have some very real food issues we’ve got to deal with on a day to day basis!
Big Up’s to Patrick and the team for doing their best to keep us safe - keep up the good work boys!
If you would like to make a contribution or just need some information please contact The False Bay Shark Spotters Association on +27 (0)21 788 2222 or send an email to info@sharkspotters.org.za
By Clint Stevens
