Surf Ninja – Deen Hill

If you were to look behind his ears, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find a set of gills – that’s because, much like the Mariner in Waterworld, this Surf Ninja spends more time in the ocean than he does on land.

Of course, there are no gills (we’ve checked), but they would come in handy at work, or for play – when you’ll usually find him gliding through one of the best pits of the day at his local beachbreak.

Meet this week’s featured wave assassin, Deen Hill…

NAME: Deen Hill
AGE: 24 and a half
LOCAL SPOT: The Hoek

BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
How easily it can make you happy for the day. Just sticking or making something which you thought you wouldn’t, feels so good and it’s so easy – you just have to try your luck.

WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Paddling.

TO MAKE A LIVING I..?
I work for the Two Oceans Aquarium. Have you ever wondered how all the reef fish, all the predatory fish, the sharks, urchins, seaweeds, rocks, starfish, anemones, and everything else that you see in an aquarium gets there? Well someone needs to go out to collect and catch them – that’s my job.

THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
1. Sublime – We’re Only Gonna Die For Our Arrogance
2. Thee Oh Sees – The Dream
3. Caged Animals – Girls On Medication

BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Johnny Boy Florence.

DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
In the afternoon, when energy levels are usually higher.

ONE WAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
A specific right hand sand point in Mozambique.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE..?
At the aquarium.

BIGGEST FEAR?
Surviving some sort of serious accident and becoming a vegetable – but the chances are pretty slim, right?

BEST SURFING MEMORY?
There are so many. From when I first started, to when I was still really scared of three footers down at my local beach. Just writing it down for people to read on the internet, doesn’t feel like it will do them any justice. I won’t be able to get that emotion and feeling across. I would much rather tell you in person!