An endless summer of surfing

IN Hawaii it’s called he’enalu. In Samoa it’s known as fa’ase’e. We know it as surfing.

And the Zululand coast is just the place to get started.

Surfing was first described in 1779 by Joseph Banks on the HMS Endeavour, during the third voyage of Captain James Cook.

Early surfers would use tree trunks which they would carve and shape into oval shaped planks in order to ride the waves.

You will not need to go to such extremes though. All you need to do is go down to Freedom Surf Shop and Water Academy in Meerensee on a Sunday at midday. There you will meet Fred le Roux, who is passionate about water sports and runs the Christian Surfing School.

His shop has a chill-out room where you can watch surfing DVDs and chat with other surfers. All the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) events are shown and Fred encourages the locals to come and watch, pick up tips and see what surfing is all about.

Once there you will get your surfboard, then make your way down to Alkantstrand where Fred will have you in the water and on a board in no time.

Everybody is welcome, from the novice to the professional, and if you love the sea then you will love this. Fred will provide surf boards to suit your needs and the lessons and use of these boards are free of charge.

SUP

Every Thursday at 5pm, the Stand Up Paddlers (SUP) meet for racing.

After the racing has taken place, any interested party who would like to try their hand, or foot, at SUPPING will be most welcome and Fred will be around to lend a hand or give a bit of advice.

A surfing competition is held monthly and the winner will receive the Freedom Trophy. Master, open, junior and development categories compete, so all competency levels are more than welcome.

You can contact Fred at Freedom Surf and Water Academy on 035 7531271 or visit the website at www.freedomsurf.co.za.