A master tuberider and possessor of a solid frontside carve, this week’s Surf Ninja calls Jeffreys Bay home. He’s also the first underground wave slayer we’ve interviewed that can qualify as an actual ninja.
In fact, Dan Thornton deals with danger for a living. He works in places that others generally avoid, and while the risks are high the rewards are sweet – like 6 month holidays – during which you’ll find him getting shacked off his head, either back home at Supertubes, or at some far-flung tropical reef pass on extended holiday.
NAME: Dan Thornton
AGE: 31
LOCAL SPOT: Supertubes, J-Bay
BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
A great excuse to travel the world and visit some of the most amazing destinations.
WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Overcrowding and South Africa’s hungry underwater wildlife.
TO MAKE A LIVING I…
Travel to some of the world’s most undesirable destinations working for an American Oil Company and spend my time attempting not to get kidnapped, blown-up or shot.
THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
Taxi Violence – Devil ‘n Pistol
The White Stripes – The Denial Twist
Jack White – Sixteen Saltines
BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Jordy Smith for sure!
DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
Nothing better than beating the crowd out before sunrise and getting a couple bombs in the dark.
WHICH SURF SPOT DO YOU HAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
P-Pass, Caroline Islands
WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE?
On the beach in front of my house with my dogs, Brian and Jack.
BIGGEST FEAR?
Having to work a normal job. I quite enjoy my six months holiday a year.
BEST SURFING MEMORY?
Bunking school as grommets in J-Bay. Surfing cooking Point with all the crew until the school mini bus turned up to round up all the missing surfers and take them back to class. I remember hiding in the bushes and laughing my arse off watching some of the boys getting carted off back to school in their wetties.
too good , could happen to a better Dan…or is that man
6 Months holiday to exotic places…..6 Months survival in a murder death kill country …..hell…. screw my self preservation I would go this route if I could but I can’t …..ahhhhhhh Mr Thornton see what you have now done to the average joe’s dreams -crushed ’em .Thanks
“Lucky”….. is not even the correct word to use boet.
mr.thornton , thank god there were pictures cause you know how i hate reading.. you do the big six proud,homie,,, bombsquad boyz west coat
sad to hear you only get six months off brah. you should get a job like mine hahahaah