With ‘Surf Pozzies’ – a new regular that we’re going to be featuring – Zag’s going to be taking a closer look at some of our readers’ surf-inspired ‘pozzies’.
We’ll take a peek inside their man caves; their shrines to surf; their surfing zen gardens; or maybe a simple beach shack. It could even be a surf-inspired bar, an underground bunker, or just a place to stash surfing memories.
Anything goes, really…
Just across the street from the Durban Bluff’s most popular beach is Ansteys Beach Backpackers, which is owned and operated by well-known Durban surfing family – the Palmbooms.
Their beach-inspired compound lies stretched out on a sunny slope – much like a lazy lizard sunning itself on a rock – and it overlooks the hollow beachbreak peaks of Ansteys.
It’s also this month’s featured ‘Surf Pozzie’.
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Besides the ‘extended family’ who pass in and out as they sample the hospitality and sick waves that the Bluff has to offer, Ansteys Beach Backpackers is also where Tash, Rudy Snr, Heidi and Rudy Jnr call ‘home’ – and is one of those few places where you instantly feel like you’re at your own pozzie, despite being far from home.
As you step through the front gate you’re greeted by a tiki-style bar and reception area, which is cool, because you can grab a dop on arrival and settle well in.
Once you’ve been handed your keys and made your way to your assigned room (various accommodation is available – including private rooms and shared dorms), you’ll be in a rush to drop off your bags and hit the beach. You won’t be able to help yourself as you catch glimpses of the spitting peaks as you wind your way up the path to your room.
While you may think that Rudy Snr spends all his time getting the barrel of the day just down the street at Cave Rock, it’s here you’ll usually find him making running repairs or upgrades – ensuring all his guests’ needs are met.
Daughter Heidi also tells us that he’s the master of finding hidden treasures amongst the trash that people throw out at the local dump – which makes for some interesting ornaments around the property.
Mom Tash is quick to admit that she doesn’t own a pair of hands topped with green fingers, but she still makes sure that the property has its share of plants, flowers and even ‘martingulu’ berries to make the monkeys and guests happy.
Below are a couple of aloes Tash has growing alongside the main house – and we all know that in SA aloes and great waves go hand-in-hand.
Stuffed into corners and crevices around the property are old surfboards – some classic, some have seen better days, all have a story of their own – so, if you forget to bring your favourite board, no sweat, you’ll always find something to meet your needs hidden under the steps or behind a bush.
If you’re all sorted for boards, then there’s always the in-house surf shop to get your wax and suntan lotion supply re-stocked.
Once the onshore has pulled in and messed up the waves for the day, then there’s a pool that is just perfect for lazing around…
Or better yet, you can grab a cup of quality coffee (some call it the best on the Bluff) at Heidi’s Cafe – which has recently been opened up for business on the property and is becoming a locals’ favourite.
Heidi’s Cafe boasts a pretty sweet collection.
Of course the real drawcard is the beach across the road, but Ansteys Beach Backpackers is a little piece of the Bluff that is well worth a visit if you’re dropping by KZN for business or pleasure.
Visit www.ansteysbeach.co.za or Ansteys Backpackers on Facebook for more info.
And if you enjoyed this, then check out our previous Surf Pozzies article featuring Bobby Rossouw’s South Side Cavern.
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* if you’ve got a surf pozzie of your own that you’d like to see featured, send pics and a short description to calvin@zigzag.co.za. We’d froth to have a look.
