By Holly Konig
For years, surfers have had the ill-deserved reputation of being pot-smoking hippies who are unable to hold down a job.
However, the stereotype has somewhat evolved, in recent years to one of environmentally conscious members of the community, speaking out to raise both ocean and earth awareness.
Many question what makes the sport so addictive and that’s just it – surfing’s not just a sport but a way of life. Be it the thrill of riding a wave, the refreshing way it clears your mind of stress or how you’re left feeling more alive than ever before, it has millions all over the globe riding the craze of the wave.
Warner Beach locals, Slater (20) and Brody Rudling (16) have been surfing local breaks for over 10 years. The brothers agree that from their first wave-riding experience, however basic it may have been, there was no forgetting the feeling.
Read also: Brody bags SA surf team berth
The deep sense of connection with the cultural history and evolution of surfing is evident and experienced by those who surf. The oceans have been proven to positively impact human health, both mentally and emotionally. Surfing has obvious physical benefits of its own, resulting in a more physically toned physique.
“Living in a town that revolves around the sea, together with the support of Frankie Oberholzer and my dad, Neville Rudling, Brody and I took up surfing and have never looked back,” said Slater. He went on to explain how surfing brings youngsters together, “As a kid who surfs, you bring your board down to go for a wave, the next thing everyone wants to learn from you”.
Read also: South Coast surfers stand out at Umhlanga surf fest
There is an evident decline in the numbers of youngsters getting into surfing. The brothers can only assume the idea of what constitutes a good, fun-filled day has changed.
The wave riders’ choice has led them to care for the environment and its creatures, as the well-being of the ocean is so crucial to the sport itself. Surfers want to “give back” and the ocean stands to be thanked. In turn, surfers make changes to their lifestyles and actively involve themselves in the community to help others make positive changes too. Slater is a seasonal lifeguard, keeping a watchful eye over beach and sea visitors. Younger, more competitive brother, Brody said when he finishes school, he wants his surfing to reach new heights, hoping it takes him to smooth-barelled breaks all over the world. Brody is a teamrider for the Ethekwini Surfrider Association and is sponsored by Graham Smith.
“We owe so much to the older surfers, they have mentored us along our journey, taught us respect and humility not only in the water but throughout our lives. We’ll always look up to them,” said Slater.
If you want to learn what it’s all about and don’t know how to go about it on your own, they recommend attending the surf lessons held along the Durban beachfront.
Six must-know secrets when learning to surf:
- You don’t need a brand new, top of the range surfboard to begin.
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it first time, have patience. It’s all in the name of fun!
- Respect the ocean and it will respect you right back.
- Ask for advice, tips and help from those more experienced, as it makes the process a lot easier.
- Parents, when teaching your young ones, put safety first. The ocean is a very powerful body of water. Make sure you know enough about it to take responsibility, or find someone who does.
- Watch surf movies and go to a surf shop every once in a while to keep yourself motivated and learning.
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