THE ZAG BRAH GRILL - WHERE WE INTERROGATE THE FAMOUS, THE UNKNOWN, AND THE INFAMOUS.
Ethekweni beach lifeguard and frothing surfer Rocky Randall has been a part of the furniture along the Golden Mile for over two decades and has seen it all. Although Rocky still reckons Durban is one of the world’s best surfing cities, it has lost some of its spirit. We decided to corner the guy and get his take on what exactly has changed, having a beach as an office, rasing a frothing grom, sun protection and busting out a banana hammock for a nice even tan.
Interview by Doug Browne…
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Doug: Howzit Rocky, you’re a lifeguard. How long have you been on the beach?
Rocky: 22 and a half years on the beach, lifesaving. It’s a fine office and nothing beats it. There’s no life better than the beach in my world. Being on the beach as a youngster in my 20’s were the best years of my life. I’m 46 now and I’m still hanging out on the beach with 20-year olds, but I’m not jolling like I used to. These days it’s more the camaraderie, surfing with good mates and knowing so many people.
Doug: So what’s the best part about being a lifeguard?
Rocky: The mornings! Coming in to work, seeing and feeling the day start…more often than not there’s waves. Enjoying that has become a serious part of my life - being near the ocean.
Doug: And what hacks you off about being a lifeguard?
Rocky: It’s tough these days because there is a high percentage of professionalism that has to come with being a lifeguard and trying to fulfill that role when the guys are not doing the basics…it sucks it out of you and kills the spirit. But the hardest thing must be checking prime waves roll through and no one on them. It gets your goat a bit.
Doug: You must get this a lot, but tell us what was the gnarliest rescue you had ever done?
Rocky: The most satisfying rescue I ever did was about two to three years ago. It was without doubt one of the best rescues I’ve ever done. I got in at Battery on a Malibu and paddled out in a 12 foot south swell. I think I got nailed by about two sets…then just paddled my heart out and got to Gavin hanging onto the shark nets. Thank God he was ocean aware and worked with me. We ended up getting in at Snake Park, on the first wave that came to us. I got a sick letter from Gavin a little while later which was cool. He also pushed hard for the Council to award me with recognition and a medal, but they told him I was just doing my job - which I guess I was. A medal would have been nice though (laughs).
Doug: What’s your vibe about becoming a lifesaver these days?
Rocky: Hey it’s tough these days. I rolled in, did my swim test and was into a permanent job the next day. Nowadays it’s six to seven years before you get a permanent job. The process is crazy. I’m so lucky. The job has got so much to offer if you’re a surfer and happy in Durban - you’ll land a pension, medical plan and get paid for being on the beach all day.
Doug: Do you miss the old days, like when the Gunston 500 was still around?
Rocky: Oh yeah, it was one of the best things in Durban. I remember sitting at Newtons as a lightie watching the finals and all the old school big names like Martin Potter, Cheyne Horan, Shaun Tomson, Barton Lynch and Glen Winton. The whole beach was packed like never before. All the pros would be hanging out at Dantes tearoom - everyone was amped. It’s was not the same with the Mr Price Pro and it has all moved out to Ballito now. I don’t know if we will ever see the likes of a Gunston in Durban again.
Doug: You must have seen a lot of change to the Golden Mile over the years? What are some of the more prominent changes that come to mind?
Rocky: A lot of our good surfers have left. And the beach has changed a lot too. There used to be big groups of okes all hanging out and surfing together, and there was much more spirit around. The youngsters haven’t got that anymore. As groms we all used to hang out in the surf shops watching movies and so on. There is just nowhere for the kids to do that along the Durban beach these days. It’s killed an important part of growing up and surfing and learning about having each other’s backs, I think.
Doug: And the waves? How are the waves today in comparison to back in the day?
Rocky: The waves are not as good as they used to be. The Wedge reef fell away - jeez those lefts! Bay was insane. Don’t get me wrong we have smoking good waves these days too - but the 70’s and 80’s COOKED! The Balmoral bowl, Kontiki - they thrived on the shallow banks and the natural reefs. The sand pumping has helped a bit and it works off the piers. All in all, we are spoilt in Durban, it’s one of the best surfing cities in the world.
Doug: You have a nine-year-old son, Saxton, he is already ripping – is he going to be a future champ?
Rocky: Obviously Saxton’s education is primary, but he is ripping and my main intention for him is to make sure he enjoys his surfing first. I don’t want to damage his stoke for it. He’s got stacks of potential, but I remember people who made it good and fell hard.
Jordy and Graham Smith are a prime example of a good father son relationship and I’m striving for that. Saxton started winning surf contests at seven, going up against 12 year olds. I’ve also got to thank young Bryce Burness (Mike Burness’ son) - he’s a bit older than Saxton, but has pushed him via his competiveness. Allan Wallace’s kids too, Kegan and Nathan. In the end it’s all about allowing Saxon to have fun and letting good things come naturally…not pushing it in the wrong direction.
Doug: You’ve got a blonde wife, with a tan, blue eyes and all that - you think you got it all?
Rocky: Doug I do, she’s fantastic, there is no question about that. She’s got me by the whip and stick, but I do have it all. She keeps me in trouble and out of it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Doug: So the banana hammock Speedo thing - they are faulty, come on!
Rocky: Bru…best tan in the world, no doubt, nice and even, draws the chicks…bru come on. I’m gonna hook you up with a Speedo. I got loads in my cupboard (laughs).
Doug: Ha, no thanks! Sun protection - Do you use it?
Rocky: Absolutely 120%. Over the years so many people have gone down with skin cancer. The very best is Island Tribe...I’ve used it for years and it’s the outright best. Sun damage catches up with you if you don’t look after your skin. Use high factors, often, and on all the hills and valleys bru.
Doug: I see your wearing a Power Balance bracelet - we’ve had mixed reports on those things - what’s the deal?
Rocky: Well I got it for Saxton, he’s not allowed to wear it at school so he put it on me. I’ve worn it for a while and I don’t think it does anything at all. I’ve been suspicious of a rubber band and a hologram that costs a bunch. If it does work for some peeps, well good for them and for the ones who are cashing in on it too…but really, eh!
Doug: Durban is quite a mix of different faces these days. You are a local, no doubt about that - what’s your scoop when you get dropped in on?
Rocky: Well, it depends if it’s John Whittle, Paul Bennewith or you (laughs). Naaah, the old dropping in, you just gotta let it go sometimes. But okes must respect the basic rules and we can all get along. It’s a good thing the crowd is not like Brazil or Aussie…it’s bad there bru.
Doug: You know a lot of okes - Who do you reckon are the biggest drop in artists around? Come on, name and shame...
Rocky: All my mates, every single flippin one of them. They are the biggest drop in merchants around and they got long pockets and short arms (laughs). From now on every round of beers is on them.
Doug: Ah, talking about wetting the whistle, what about the new Wimpy coffee cups at North Beach - Yay or Nay?
Rocky: Ah man they suck and over priced…The old cups were much better and the coffee tasted better too. I think us lifeguards should get a deal anyways!
Doug: Shot Rocky - Keep up the valuable work Bru.
Rocky: Shot
