The South African surf community were saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of Colin Buitendag; former Western Province provincial surfer and father to WSL Dream Tour surfer Bianca Buitendag.
“One of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” wrote former Zigzag publisher and friend, Craig Sims in tribute. “From surfing together at Seals during the SAU events in the eighties to hanging out at the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks just last year, and so many moments in between; it has been an honour and a privilege to have known Colin. I am so sad to hear this news. Rest in peace my friend.”
The tall and friendly Vic Bay local touched the lives of many who’ve taken to social media to pay their respects:
Prayers and condolences to the Buitendag family. Colin, your consistent warm and welcoming approach to life became your trademark. Rest in eternal peace. – Trevor Orylski
My heartfelt sincere condolences to the Buitendag family on the very sad passing away of Colin Buitendag. To Yvette Buitendag, Bianca Buitendag, Sven and Daniel, words cannot express the sorrow you must be going through right now. I mourn with you all. Colin was such a larger than life person who always greeted me with a smile. Whenever we bumped into each other his first words were always, “Hey Colin, how are you?” He had a great concern for others and it radiated from him. The great fun-filled trips to surfing events while we were still part of the Defence Surf Club many years ago will always be remembered with laughter. RIP Colin. – Colin Fitch
From the archives: The big and the small of WP Surfing – Trevor Stewart (left) at 4’4″ and Colin Buitendag at 6’6″. February ’83 – Shafiq Morton
Goodbye Colin Buitendag, you very warm, happy legend of a man. Always smiling, except when you once kakked me out for bringing a beer into the WP team meeting. Thanks for the fond memories. RIP. – Warren Tuck
Colin was an absolute rock and had such a profound influence upon me when we were mates travelling on bi-annual surf trips to the south coast while at varsity. The most genuine straightforward kind and humble person I knew. And what a flipping amazing surfer. Charged big heavy waves with that relaxed controlled style. You will live on in my thoughts and memories my friend. – Louis Wulff
As well as daughter, Bianca, who is in Australia and was due to compete in the Rip Curl Women’s Pro at Bells Beach next week, Colin also leaves behind wife, Yvette, and sons, Daniel and Sven.
A memorial paddle-out has been arranged for 15h30 this Sunday, 29 March, at Victoria Bay.
Our deepest condolences to the Buitendag family during this sensitive time.
Rest in Peace, Colin Buitendag.
My heart goes out to the Buitendag family upon hearing this sad news. Colin’s enthusiasm and passion for surfing and life was immense.
Always encouraging, calm , collected and patient, those who were lucky enough to have shared Colin’s company, were indeed fortunate to have been touched by one of the finest human being’s on earth.
From the early Western Province surfing team days to trading waves at Vic Bay, Colin was always there. Always smiling.
My thoughts are with all who loved this wonderful man.
Glen Drysdale
Would have been cool if you had proof read your article before posting.
who cares this is about the loss of someone special I cant stand people that all they worry about is the grammer!!!!
This is just so sad …and sudden ….the heart goes out to the Buitendags.
Gutted to hear this news. Colin was a great man who always interacted humbly, warmly and openly with everyone he came into contact with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and kids. Bianca was just over here and it would have been a terribly long plane ride home. Stay strong in your faith. Brickez
Very sad to learn about Colin’s passing,my sincere condolences to Yvette ,Bianca,Sven and Daniel.Colin was a huge inspiration to me and many others,from when he arrived out of the blue at Gordon’s Bay Naval College and set the waves around the Boland area on fire , to showing me his beloved South Coast spots and surfing many contests together.His fearlessness,competitive drive,coupled with an easy going,friendly approach to everyone will be sorely missed.
RIP and Aloha.
Mickey
sad sad news , What a great Guy always great to be with we met at
Stellenbosch University in 1982 and always met up somewhere thereafter he was always the best surfer in the water
and the nicest guy out the water condolences to Buitendag Famiy
I am dedicating my selection to represent WP long boarding at SA Champs to this legend who inspired me as a grom to go hard at Tweni
.Was an honour to coach his daughter and my thoughts go out to all the family rip bru
So sorry to hear about Colin. Big guy,big heart. Saw him last April for the first time since we were 18 year olds on the KZN South coast where we would stay in his parents home and it was like time had never intervened. RIP Colin.
Emile
So, sad to belated hear of Colin’s passing.
My deepest condolences to his family.
I met him at Stellenbosch University Surf Comps.
As Mickey D says, an inspiration. Always a kind word.
RIP Colin.
Congratulations on Bianca’s silver medal at the 2020 Olympics Colin, bet you are super proud from where you were watching her perform!
RIP(PED)