Gigantic waves and rocks – that’s what interests this week’s featured wave assassin the most. Of course his interests span a far broader scope than that, but you’ll mostly catch the Kommetjie local either sliding down a massive face at Sunset or Dungeons, or in the lab scrutinising another igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic sample.
The rest of the time you’ll catch him chasing waves from 1-foot Crons to triple overhead Crayfish Factory, or bigger-than-you’d-dare-surf Boland semi-secrets. Meet Surf Ninja, James Lowe…
NAME: James Lowe
AGE: 21
LOCAL SPOT: Crons
BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
The immediate freedom from any stresses or troubles when you enter the ocean. I really love being in nature and checking all the sea life up close.
WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
I hate committing to things that are further than 7 days away, so I’ve probably missed out on a lot of “on-land” fun. All in the name of getting tubed.
TO MAKE A LIVING I..?
I don’t! I am a student at Stellenbosch University. I have just graduated with a BSc in Geology and will be doing an honours degree next year.
THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
1. Switchfoot – Dark Horses
2. Escape the Fate – This War Is Ours
3. This one track by Hot Water Music – its got some crazy didgeridoo.
BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Mick and Kelly are fighting for the title I suppose, but I really enjoy watching John John.
DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
I’ll surf the whole day if I can! If I had to choose though, then it would be the dawn patrol – there’s nothing more satisfying than being the first person on the beach.
ONE WAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
Jaws, big Cloudbreak or big Puerto Escondido.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE..?
In the term I’ll be in Stellies, normally at the ‘library’ or in the lab looking at rocks.
BIGGEST FEAR?
Working a 9-5 in Joburg for the rest of my life.
FUNNIEST SURFING MEMORY?
In 2011 I caught the biggest wave I have ever surfed at Sunset. The ocean was WILD (+-7m @18s)! A big peak came through, unbeknown to me it was gigantic. Because of the chop my front foot was slipping off the side of my board the whole way down the face while I was dropping in. By the time I made the bottom turn I was holding on by my toe nails. I bottom turned and beat the section and completed the ride. There were only four of us out, no cameras, no evidence, just “bar-talk” of a 50 foot face. Shortly after that wave an even larger wave came through, which we luckily all avoided. I smartly decided to get out of there ASAP and watched from my roof as the guys traded their guns for tow-boards.
nice one James, you bladdy charger