In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Town and Country was a celebrated surfing brand. Its symbol was the Chinese philosophy emblem of yin and yang.
Somewhere along the line in semi-parallel with this credo, I gradually became aware of some of the nuances between male and female wisdom.
Since my mom passed away when I was relatively young, I am especially sensitive to feminine wisdom. I missed out on something important at a fairly critical juncture.
Thus when Surette Malherbe recently penned her thoughts on saltwater, surfing, the ocean, friendships and our wave-riding lifestyle, I read her piece with keen interest. It is worth sharing with you.
“They say blood is thicker than water — but ask any surfer, and they might tell you that saltwater is something else entirely.
“It doesn’t just stick to your skin, it sticks to your soul — and to those who share the line-up with you.
“Whether you’re chasing rankings on the QS or simply chasing the next clean swell before work, there’s an unspoken connection that forms between surfers.
“It’s found in the early morning eye contact when the ocean is glassy and still. In the hoots from the shoulder when someone nails a clean line.
“In the quiet understanding when you both duck under the same heavy set, paddling out again, breathless.
“Surfers compete fiercely, but they also celebrate each other relentlessly.
“There’s respect in the rivalry — often more camaraderie than competition.
“Lifelong friendships are formed not just on land, but out there where the salt stings your eyes and the ocean humbles you.
“In Buffalo City, this bond runs especially deep. Many of our local surfers have grown up in the same breaks — from frothing groms to seasoned watermen and women.
“They’ve pushed each other, cheered each other, and shared countless sessions over the years.
“It’s a connection that’s been shaped by the tides, held together by the stoke, and strengthened by decades of shared saltwater.
“When you’ve shared wipeouts, barrels, flat spells, and offshore glory with someone, it creates a connection that doesn’t always need words.
“It’s a tribe. A salty brotherhood and sisterhood that runs deep, whether you’re young groms battling it out at your first contest, or seasoned locals paddling out to catch the sunrise one more time.
“Maybe saltwater is thicker than blood. Or maybe, it’s just the kind of water that binds people in a different, more elemental way.” — Surette Malherbe
From an outsider looking in, Surette has nailed it. Married to Andre and mom to Luke and Jordy, she is qualified to comment. She is accurate.
And so we paddled out, as surfers do, recently to celebrate the life of dear departed Mark “Goomph” Trow.
Forming a circle of love out in the sea, flowers, wreaths and close family in the centre and splashing and calling out the name of our departed friend is the way we surfers say goodbye.
Many of the friends I was with at the Kwelera paddle-out I have known for more than 45 years. These are all bonds formed in saltwater. It has been a rich passage.
A meaningful tapestry of life, adventure and friendships, and I am humbled and grateful for my salty experience of years. Well done Surette on a remarkable piece.
RIP Mark “Goomph” Trow. Aloha my brother.
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