Getting lucky with surfing
The 35-year-old Shakaskraal resident has been working with legendary surfboard shaper, Johno Hutchinson for over 10 years in Ballito, which he said has changed his life.
In search of greener grass on the other side, Lucky Deville moved to the Dolphin Coast from the Transkei and unexpectedly caught a life changing wave.
The 35-year-old Shakaskraal resident has been working with legendary surfboard shaper, Johno Hutchinson for over 10 years in Ballito, which he said has changed his life.
“I love working in the factory. I shape boards, do repairs fin work and colour designs. I never thought I would end up here. Surfing has really taken me places,” said the dreadlocked Lucky.
Johno soon saw more potential in Lucky and started taking him to surfing competitions.
“I got him involved in judging, which he has now been doing for about eight years. He has been all over country with me and he really enjoys it,” said Johno.
The Ballito Pro has become Lucky’s second home and the competitors look forward to seeing the smiling face on the beach every year.
“I have been working as a beach marshall at The Ballito Pro for the past five years. It is great. I keep time with my stopwatch and handle the vests for the surfers. I really like the Brazilian surfers – they have a good style. We have become friends,” said Lucky, who will also be one of the judges in the junior division.
“Judging is difficult. Johno taught me about getting the feeling of the surfers. He has also taught me how to work on computers, which was not easy, but I am getting there now.”
Lucky tries his luck on a surfboard sometimes too.
“I used to be scared of the sea and the police. Now, I am only scared of the police,” he said with a chuckle.
Through his surfing work, he has been able to buy a home for him and his nine-year-old daughter, Precious.
“She is crazy about the sea. She is always riding foamies on her bodyboard.”
Besides surfing, Johno and Lucky share a passion for gardening.
“We are always looking for aloes and we have built up a nice collection of them in our gardens. Our veggie gardens are also a big competition and we often compare who has the largest lettuce and so on. It is good fun.”
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