FOR the Umzumbe locals, surfing is a outlet to express themselves, to escape and be free.
No doubt about it, these surfers are a talented bunch, and keep visitors to the beach entertained with their impressive self-taught surf moves and tricks.
And guaranteed, no matter the weather, you will always spot a local charging in the surf.
The group consisting of 36 surfers call themselves the ‘Umzumbe Surf Style’ club. A club started by Cyril Mqadi and Bruce Rudling many years ago.
Most of them walk more than two kilometres from the rural foothills of Umzumbe to their favourite surf spot. Passionate about the sport of surfing, is not the word.
The group of diehards are an inspiration for anyone who loves or hates the sport.
The youngest surfer is 12-year-old Esethu Mbutho, who has been surfing since the age of 10. Esethu’s face brightens when he speak about how much he loves surfing and how much fun it is.
“To surf is how I express myself, it’s about being free,” said Mhlengi Mbutho (16). “It has taught me to not steal or smoke, and complete my work at school in time, so I can surf,” he said.
Surfers who have done really well on the competitive scene are Simo Mkhezi who was a member of last year’s SA surfing team, and Mnqobi Radebe who is surfing for the U16 Southern KwaZulu-Natal team.
The club is run by two dedicated senior lifesavers, coach and manager Dumisani Radebe (35) and his second in charge, Musa Cele (26). These men are role-models and keep the boys on a straight track.
“Surfing saves them from doing wrong stuff like smoking and stealing,” said Dumisani. “We don’t allow them to skip school and go surf.”
Dumisani explained that the boys are taught how to swim first, and then are taught how to surf. ‘They learn about the rip currents and the ocean, which gives them an opportunity to become lifesavers,” he said.
The lifesavers are very protective over their beach and don’t allow any thieves into their beach zone. “This is our beach, and we want to keep our Blue Flag flying high,” he said.
When asked who they would like to meet, the boys immediately say, world-champ Kelly Slater, and top South African surfer, Jordy Smith. Blessing Ntuli (18) dreams of becoming a world champ like Jordy.
Sabelo Mthembu (16) who is also a lifeguard, said surfing is his life. “It has given me confidence, and I feel like a king in the water,” he said.
Musa said that about seven of the boys don’t have parents. “Sometimes we tell them to go surf, and they say they can’t as they are hungry,” he said. The boys share the equipment as there is not enough for everyone.
The club is extremely grateful to Pumula Beach Hotel for their continuous support. However, they are looking for sponsorship or donations, surfboards, equipment or wetsuits. Even old, dusty surfboards are welcome. Contact Dumisani at 071 3452715. For more photos, click here
