In search of Africa’s less glamorous version of El Dorado, this Mossel Bay shredder has since flown the coop – migrating northwards to Tanzania. Unfortunately, while the country has loads of potential in the gold-mining sector, what it lacks in infrastructure and mosquito repellant isn’t made up in wave selection. We did some digging of our own to bring you this week’s Surf Ninja, Indi Rooken-Smith.
NAME: Indiana Rooken-Smith
AGE: 23
LOCAL SPOT: Mossel Bay
BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Surfing itself and just being in the water. I don’t really get to surf often so it’s always a treat, no matter what the conditions.
WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Being away from the sea.
TO MAKE A LIVING I?
Am currently working in the mining industry, setting up a plant in Tanzania.
THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
Young Men Dead – The Black Angels
TV on the Radio – TV on the Radio
Motorhead – The Ace of Spades
BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Jordy Smith.
DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
Dawnie, I reckon.
WHICH SPOT DO YOU HAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
Hmm… So many. Probably Puerto Escondido in Mexico or The Box in Australia.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE?
Somewhere in southern Tanzania. Kind of all over the place really.
GREATEST FEAR?
Without a doubt the Candiru Fish… It’s a nasty little thing that swims up your pecker.
BEST SURFING MEMORY?
Getting a back hand barrel on a mini mal in front of my best mate, Dom.
Interesting fact: Tanzania is the fourth largest gold producer in Africa. Analysts from africanmining.com expect the country’s mining industry to grow in value to $1.28 billion in 2015. Looks like Indi’s gonna have his hands full, of nuggets we hope. Unfortunately, the waves are also in need of some growth as this part of the African continent rarely gets above three foot.
Tanzania, in desperate need of a decent cyclone swell. The boats and weather are both just fine. Full story and pictures available at surf.transworld.net
