Surfing
Surfing
Discover why Cape Town is South Africa's surfing mecca
In Episode 1 of Made In South Africa, filmmaker Jason Hearn explores Cape Town, a city rich in culture, surfing talent and world-class waves.
15 min
The mother city
Jason Hearn turns the lens on his native South Africa to explore its rich and complex surfing past.
When we look back at the origins of modern surf culture, we often identify three countries: Brazil, Australia and the United States. However, if you dig into the past a bit deeper, you'll find South Africa right up there amongst the progenitors. Click the video above and you'll find out why.
When South African filmmaker Jason Hearn came to us with idea of unpacking the rich and complex history of surfing in his home country for a new installment of Made In, we couldn't wait to kick the project off. After months of filming with some of South Africa's most legendary surfers, Hearn has produced a truly special film project.
Through three parts, Hearn moves along South Africa's massive coast, beginning in the 'Mother City' – Cape Town. There we meet Mikey February, the first black South African surfer to make it on the WSL World Tour, Jordy Smith, South African surfing's prodigal surfing son, and big wave surfers Frank Solomon, Josh Redman, Matt Bromley and Dale Staples, who take us along during a rare summer session at South Africa's premiere big wave break, Dungeons.
The breathtaking Cape Town coast
© Caleb Bjergfelt
Micheal February slips under a Cape Town tube
© Caleb Bjergfelt
South Africa's prodigal son, Jordy Smith
© Caleb Bjergfelt
Cape Town performers
© Caleb Bjergfelt
In the next episode, Hearn takes us up to Durban, home of a serious right-hander called Cave Rock and its seriously hardcore group of devotees, including Shaun Tomson and Ricky Basnett. Through in-depth interviews and a knowing eye, Hearn illustrates how Cave Rock has defined the lives of many of its surfers and how the wave itself is defined by the city in which it sits, Durban.
Whether you've been to South Africa or not, you're bound to learn something new about one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich countries. This is one Made In series you don't want to miss.
