I went to South Africa during a fortunate year off while on my placement. For me, the country, its breath-taking landscape and magnificent, regal wildlife have always had a certain allure to it – some of which I had the privilege of interacting with incredibly closely (see pictures, please).

Anyway, until I went to South Africa myself, I never knew how tremendously diverse this country really is. Each day, I was discovering something new. When I first arrived there, I didn’t even know there were waves and surf! (I guess time off during your placement is simply too exciting a thought to do any planning. Travel research? Huh?!) So, I hadn’t thought of going on a surfing holiday while down there, and hadn’t really appreciated that there was a potential surfing trip to be had – how naïve I was! It was only when I was chatting to some friendly Boers in a Shebeen (in a bar – who, btw, initially thought I was an Afrikaner, probably due to my size and blonde hair) that I found out about South Africa’s amazing surf spots and epic surf community.

We got talking about our passion for surfing, how life’s so much better at the beach and about our favourite surf spots and waves at different ends of the world. After a few drinks and some great stories, they invited me to stay at their friends’ surf camp for a few days. And, just like that, a legendary surfing trip was made! I had an epic time, scored some great waves and formed friendships I know will last a lifetime. These things never happen to you? Well, off you go to South Africa! I’ve rarely met so many friendly and welcoming people in one place like I did over there.

Well, I kinda know I was lucky to stumble upon these guys. But if there’s one advice I was to give to any surf traveller thinking about going on a surfing holiday – whether that’s a surf trip to South Africa, Australia, southern France, the Arctic or pretty much anywhere else in the world – I’d say, take up the local attitude and just do it! It’s as simple as that. And in South Africa, it really doesn’t get any better than hanging out with some new-found surf buddies for a braai (a traditional South African BBQ), talking story and planning your next move along the country’s beautiful coast.

I’m so glad I went to South Africa, went travelling there, my rather spontaneous surfing holiday and the amazing friends and memories I made. I’ll definitely be back!

See you soon boys!

Garth & the Star Surf Camps UK Team