Every year that surfers maniacally wind down into the final month it’s the same old story; “bru, where the waves at?” Luckily for us, and traditionally speaking, there’s a history of unheralded and heartwarmingly fun swells that ho-ho into town. Alright, alright that’s the only Christmas reference we’ll make, promise. This time of year is a time of looking back and reflecting on the wins and losses, the tubes and the wipeouts and the general hits and misses we all go through in life.
From the perspective of the Striped horse Challenge, this year of the 2018 edition has been one helluva rewarding experience. The rides, the vibes, the beat downs and the general participation and support of all the surfers and the sponsors is a damn fine example of the quality and love that resides within the
So far, we’re sitting with one monstrous entry from the Bromdawg himself. This ride epitomises the “Charge Hard” battle cry of the SHC; we strongly suggest you click the magic button and get a load of this delicious eye butter.
While we’ve got your attention; there are currently no entries for the beatings category! Grab a mate, your lady (or man) and find a shorey to play in. How does Striped Horse beer, Bos ice tea and hurricane
Throughout this event; we’ve noticed a few pretty rad aspects emerging. Let’s unpack.
1. The working mans shot at every surfer’s dream
This is an open party, and everyone’s invited, whether you’re a weekend warrior, a coastal road tripper or a no work-no worrier. Your motivation? The golden ticket to Hawaii. Mecca. The 9-mile miracle of the North Shore awaits your frothed out arrival. The place of all your wet and salty dreams. This is the island of cobalt waters, spitting barrels, palm trees and enough women in bikinis to melt your face off. You, yes YOU, can win this thing.
2. South Africans shred
Just last year there was a lot of criticism slung about regarding the state of South African surfing. There was a lull between sets, and the crop cream of the past and the future was not yet, well, creamy. But, all that has changed and rather rapidly at that. Without going into the widely publicised success story of MFeb and the strongest contingent of World Tour aspirants currently representing on the North Shore, its the foundational level of surfing we’re seeing through the monthly entries of the SHC that is blowing our minds. Not just talent but BALLS. I mean, these guys deserve a beer for merely looking at these waves never mind attempting to make the takeoff.
Surfer: Beyrick de Vries Photographer: Greg Ewing
3. SA Brands ROCK
Go anywhere overseas, and you’ll find the usual craft beers, local apparel producers and surf magazines etc. However, here in the South of Africa, there’s a soul and a heartbeat that resides within and is not readily found in the rest of the worlds offerings. It’s AFRICAN, baby and Europe, North and South America and the Asia’s are turning their tired and sanitised gaze to our shores for inspiration and authenticity. Striped Horse is one of these brands, and we can do well to support their lines as they support ours. The same applies to Bos, now a successful international brand, and Hurricane who have also beached their ships on foreign shores. It’s enormous, and we love it.
And there’s many more layers to this event. It’s a win-win. Surfers go surfing, get barrelled or beaten, filmed or photographed, and everyone gets something for their efforts. Free beers, equipment and the worlds most delicious ice tea await. All you have to do is go surfing. It’s honestly the most accessible and lucrative competition we know.
At least, think about it. We’re confident some late season, mid-summer swells are gonna slam dunk at least one of our coastlines. Make sure you end your year on a high note and get yourself involved in this most excellent competition. Who knows you might just “jingle barrel” yourself into a free trip to Hawaii and fifty thousand South Africa rands.
