Learn to surf in Ballito

Holiday time in the warmest winter waters coupled with the recent Ballito Pro is probably making you super amped to get onto a board yourself – this is how you get your stoke on.

Ballito surfer Charles Southwood has run various surf camps and taught many a want-to-be grom to ride a wave and said Tiffany’s beach (north of Salt Rock tidal pool) is an excellent spot to start out.

“Tiffany’s offers all levels of waves. From the beautiful breaks further out giving bigger waves to the gentle breaks in the front making for nice foamies,” said Southwood, who has been surfing since forever.

He said when it comes to surf equipment, surf coaches usually provide everything you need at the beginning.

“You just need to arrive with your sun cream.

“If you want to buy a board after a couple of lessons, don’t make the mistake of buying a board that is too small, because you want to look cool. You will end up paddling all day long and never actually get up.

“At the beginning, you want to get as many waves as possible, so longer boards are the way to go.”

As far as age goes, he said no one is never too old to learn to surf.

“The oldest lady I have taught was an 85-year-old. She was so overwhelmed by the experience of being at back-line that she started crying.”

Here’s who to contact when you are starting out:

1.Ballito Surf School

Janek Ferrandi is always ready to share his surfing knowledge and passion and specialises in beginner lessons. His base is at Willard Beach in Ballito, but he also teaches at Tiffany’s – wherever the best conditions are.

“One of the most important skills I try to teach is ocean awareness – as a surfer, you have to know when, where and how to go out,” said Ferrandi, who is also a lifeguard.

This is how you get going:

How to book: Phone Ballito Surf School on 082 330 6216 a day or two before you want to surf. Be flexible with your time, as Yanek will work out the ideal time and location for your chosen day, depending on the swell, tides and conditions and will let you know. Lessons are usually run at low tides for beginners and as you progress you can move closer to the higher tides.

What to bring: All equipment is provided and included in the cost, such as boards, fins, rash vests and sun cream.

Costs: Lessons are an hour long and cost R250 for a one-on-one private lesson or R200 for a group lesson with 2 or more students.

Age: The general rule is if you can swim, you can learn to surf, but he usually starts teaching kids from age six.

2. Surf@Steve

New on the surf lesson scene, but a long-timer on the board, Steve Quinn believes in old school surfing and takes you back to longboarding to get you into the surfing groove before you get onto the shorter stuff.

“Surfing is about getting your style right. You need to learn to drop your knees and get that flex and movement going. Learning this on a ten foot board is like standing on a concrete floor – you will get up and going in no time,” said Quinn, who has 40 years surfing experience.

How to book: Phone Steve on 084 483 7981 and let him know when you want to learn. He teaches from Salt Rock to Vetch’s pier in Durban, so he will let you know where the best spot is and where and when to meet.

What to bring: Suncream and a good dose of fun.

Costs: R400 will get you an hour of surfing including a board and wetsuit or rash vest. Ask Steve about group discounts.

Age: Kids from age 7 (or younger if they are good swimmers) to grannies.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

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