The South African surf community is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gerhard Engelbrecht, who was involved in a motorbike accident hours ago in Indonesia. Gerhard was an incredibly positive character full of life and a common face to any South African surfer travelling through Bali and Indonesia, where he has been living a “surfer’s dream” after relocating there a few years ago.
Gerhard grew up surfing at Richards Bay on the KZN north coast, where he will be remembered well in the local surf community as a fellow provincial surfer for the Zululand region and an ex pupil at Empangeni High School. Passionate about film and surf photography, Gerhard’s work has been published many times in Zigzag. With his love and stoke of Indonesia he would openly share his home and knowledge of the waves around the islands with any surfer taking on the Indonesian adventure. . His character and out look on life will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have shared a surf, a friendship or encounter with Gerhard.
Gerhard’s friends have set up a GoFund me to raise money for Gerhard’s family and throw him a proper Bon Voyage ceremony to send off Gerhard’s spirit to the other side. All and any donations are welcome.
Rest in Peace Gerhard Engelbrecht.
07 July 1973 – 12 February 2016
To see some of Gerhard’s work around South Africa and Indonesia check out his Instagram page.
A photo posted by Gerhard Engelbrecht (@gerhardimages) on
Kief soul