Hailing from Jbay, Joshe has a deadly backhand attack!
Joshe Faulkner has a deep well of Talent
Joshe Faulkner grew up in Jbay and has honed his talent in the competitive lineups and on the strong South African junior series. Some big results over the years, but it is watching him free surf where you really gain perspective on how deep his talent runs. This is why I asked Billabong to give me some time with him to film and boy am I glad I did.
The Kid seems Quiet
When you need Joshe he comes off as this super quiet and reserved human. But travelling with him for two weeks I got to find out he is pretty sharp, has a dark sense of humour and once he feels comfortable around you he actually loves a chat. The main thing I learnt about him though, is that he literally loves surfing more than anything else. He will surf for hours, as in 6 hour session, come out and eat and go straight back in for another few hours.
Make It is just the start
This is our first project working together, but plans are already in motion for a bigger and more radical film to be shot this year. So watch this space, give the young man a follow on social – Joshe on Instagram – and I will keep you posted as we look to make the best free surfing film out of South Africa ever!
In the meantime enjoy this, our first project together…
People will remember many things about the Rolling Retro this year. There was incredible weather, more hot girls in bikinis than the Playboy mansion, one hell of a party and of course there were insane waves! Stand out performances from the likes of Dale Staples, Josh Brodie, Robbie Schofield and Jacques Smit had the crowd on the beach screaming for makes and groaning for wipeouts. Enjoy the video and make sure that next year you dont miss this event…
Big thanks to the other sponsors: Red Bull, Billabong, Striped Horse, El Jimador, Hurricane Surf, Vudu Surf, Von Zipper
The 2016 Night Harvest went mental! The huge crowd were entertained by some of SA’s and the planet’s best riders and the level was through the roof. Watch the video and be sad if you were not there for the live experience.
With a grey and rainy start, the ocean looking wild and stormy, many were wondering if the event would start, but organisers and locals decided it was time to test the surfers at the Rolling Retro at Llandudno Beach. With this year’s Mexican theme the patch at the Lifesaving Club was bright and cheerful as apposed to the vibe in the water where close out sets and double overhead conditions were quickly making the event be referred to as Rolling Retro, Code Black.
Photo: Ian Thurtell
The Bodysurfers were first in the lineup and most competitors were quickly getting busy charging the large conditions with no fear. This threw the challenge out to the surfers who quickly followed suit. As the day progressed the sun started fighting through the clouds and the performances in the water kept the growing crowd very entertained. Though there were many broken boards amongst the free surfers, somehow not one Retro Surfboard was lost – a true tribute to the workmanship of these collectors pieces.
Some of the standouts on the day were led by young Muizenberg surfer, Pieter De Wit, who not only took out the Bodysurfing division but also got one of the best tubes of the day. Representing the Llandudno locals was super grom, Luke Slijpen, who showed some of the old boys what style on a retro board should look like and was the clear choice for the best grom award. Following in his son’s footsteps was local, John Slijpen, who charged the big conditions, but also got a massive lip to the head, winning the best wipeout category. Tanika Hoffman was one of the few ladies to brave the wild conditions and she was rewarded for her charging by taking the Best lady award.
Photo: Ian Thurtell
In the last 2 heats, two of South Africa’s best Longboard surfers took to the water, much to everyone on the beach’s delight. Mathew Moir is a two time World Champion and he showed us why, by charging on a 9’2 Longboard on the huge waves. On one wave he somehow recovered from being completely on his back, to the cheers of the crowd. He was followed by Scarbarough’s, Mike Grendon, who went out on an ancient, 20kg, John “Oom” Whitmore Longboard. The Oom must have been smiling down from the heavens as Mike proceeded to charge massive close outs, soul arch down the line and pretty much blow everyone’s minds with his carefree approach to the dangerous conditions. Mathew and Mike shared the hard chargers award.
Amongst the surfers there were a couple of stand outs, with Llandudno brothers Jasper and Logan Eales getting some bombs. Robby Schofield made the trek from the West Coast and got a few pits and did some huge turns to win the best turn of the event. Benjamin Potter and Luke Christie Smith, both sporting ginormous beards, also entertained the crowds both in and out the water. It was Andrew “Roosta” Lange though who had the beach cheering every time he took off on a wave. Taking off on one big set wave, the conditions suddenly went perfect offshore, the light golden as Roosta bottom turned, stood straight up and soul arched through the biggest tube of the day on an old Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt Surfboard. It was a moment that the entire beach went silent, followed by an eruption of sound as he got spit out the tube. With some stellar turns and floaters added to the mix, he was the unanimous choice for Surfer of the Event.
Photo: Ian Thurtell
Throughout the day the Corona bar was pumping and as the day wore on the El Jimador girls served frozen margaritas and tequila shots, to the sounds of Roastin Records, ensuring that the party was heaving by the time the prize giving was done. All food and bar sales went to raising funds for Llandudno Surf to attend SA Champs and their were smiles all round on the their happy faces. The evening ended with the crowd enjoying the acoustic sounds of the Larter Brothers followed by some retro inspired beats by Dj Ike. All in all another insanely fun day was had by all and the Rolling Retro continues to be referred to as the best day of the year!
Photo: Captain Kai
Big thanks go out to the hard working team behind the scenes, event MC Ilan Sheer, the whole Vudu Surf family and our incredible sponsors El Jimador, Corona, Red Bull, Hurricane Surf, Von Zipper and Gul Wetsuits. The event video will be released in the next few days.
Cape Town’s favorite day of sun, fun and surf returns for it’s 6th year. Once again Vudu Surfboards will be holding the #RollingRetro at Llandudno Beach, with a large collection, of over 45 Retro surfboards, available for entrants to surf in celebration of our surf heritage. Our presenting sponsor, El Jimador, will be keeping the party going and the frozen margaritas flowing, while this year we are joined by everyone’s favorite Mexican beer, Corona! In line with our sponsors, this year the #RollingRetro will have a classic “Baja” theme and we invite everyone to find their inner Mexican.
The event was conceptualised by Vudu Surf’s, Robby McDonald and South Africa’s premier extreme sport MC, Captain Kai. The guys wanted to create an event that celebrated SA surfing history and also gave back to the local Llandudno community. Robby has one of the biggest Retro surfboard collections in the country and once a year, at the event, people can experience these rare surfboards for themselves.
The event also helps to raise funds for the Llandudno Lifesaving Club, as they supply all the Food, including veg options, and along with the Bar, helps raise money for the club to attend the SA National Champs. (So remember to bring your cash down as no ATM on the beach. Please remember no alcohol or glass on the beach.)
Remember, its not a competition but a celebration! Groms, ancient surf masters, girls and guys all surf together in 10 person heats that last 30 minutes. The MC’s, Ilan Sheer (Llandudno Local), Andrew “Roosta” Lange (Free surf Guru) and Captain Kai will keep the crowd entertained and informed. Retro tunes will play throughout the day with the Vinyl masters, Roasting Records and DJ Ike on the decks, while the Larter Bros, who have played at every #RollingRetro will play after the prize giving.
The main event of the day each year, is the “Pro Heat” with special guest surfers putting on a show, ably led by Roosta. This year we will have multiple #RollingRetro winner, Mike Grendon (SA Champ Longboarder) back in the water, along with multiple World Champion Longboarder, Mathew Moir, and big wave surfing legend, Chris Bertish. Local standouts, Jasper Eales, Josh Brodie and super grom, Luke Slijpen will be joining them for the last heat of the day. A few more surprises are definitely in store.
This year we once again celebrate our water brethren, with both Bodysurfing and Bodyboarder heats in the mix. Vudu Surf will supply custom made hand guns for the Bodysurfing entrants to use and the best Bodysurfer on the day will win one of these custom weapons. We are also looking for the best retro board, whether surf, bodyboard or Handgun, so make sure you bring your toys to the beach.
The #RollingRetro cannot happen without our sponsors. In 2016 the event is presented by
El Jimador Tequila, with main sponsors Vudu Surf, Corona and Red Bull. Our prize sponsors are Von Zipper, Hurricane Surf and Gul Wetsuits.
For the fist time ever the event has an online entry and you can go to www.rollingretro.co.za to book your heat. Bookings will only be final once the fee has been paid, all details on the website. (NB: All entrants must be at registration to confirm they are on site. No refunds will be made for non-attendance and if you are not checked in 30 minutes prior to your heat, your slot will be given to one of the alternates.)
Entry Fee: R150
(Registration starts at 8am at Llandudno Lifesaving Club. All entrants must register and sign the Indemnity Form.)
120 x Surfers
20 x Bodysurfers (Vudu Handguns will be available.)
10 x Bodyboarders (Retro Bodyboard required)
Heats are 30 minutes with 10 people in the water.
All entrants will receive an official event Vest and stand in line to win awesome prizes for:
Best Dressed (Male & Female – Retro/Baja themed)
Best Surfer – Guy
Best Surfer – Gal
Best Surfer – Grom
Best Bodysurfer
Best Bodyboarder
Best Private Retro Board
Instagram Award – Best Photo (Wins an El Jimador Agave Replica Surfboard)
Enter our Instagram Competition with El Jimador and Von Zipper. Simply post your favorite #RollingRetro moment from year’s past, or on the day of the event, Tag @vuduSurf @VonzipperSouthAfrica and use the Hashtags, #RollingRetro #ElJimadorSA #ElJimador and you could win this insane prize! (Winners announced at prize giving – get posting!)
Loads of give aways on the day, music and laughter!
NB: If conditions are not optimal on Saturday, 20 February, we will move the event to the backup date of Sunday, 28 February 2016. This call will be made by the afternoon of Wednesday, 17th February 2016.
Alright petrol heads, time to get your froth on and stand a chance of winning 2x VIP tickets to Supercross Africa, in Pretoria, on the 01 November 2014, with Captain Kai’s World. I have some great prizes up for grabs from Monster Energy, Von Zipper and Skullcandy. You will be looked after on the day as a special guest of Monster Energy with all food and drinks, VIP seating, meet the athletes, take a walk through the pits with myself and the Monster Girls and have full access to the Monster VIP Party! Sounds great don’t it!
All you have to do to win, is the following:
1) Make sure you have “Liked” my Fan Page, Captain Kais World and the Fan Page, Supercross Africa and because we support a good cause, the Fan Page for Movember.
2) “Share” this post on Facebook, making sure to tag myself in the Post and telling me why you deserve to win. (Get creative, post loads and stand more chance of winning.)
For an extra chance of winning, sign up for Movember and help us to conquer Prostate Cancer! Sign up HERE
I will choose the winners on Monday 27 October and notify you on Facebook.
1st Prize:
2x VIP Tickets to Supercross Africa
1x Skullcandy “Special Edition” Headphones (Captain Kais World)
1x Pair of Von Zipper “Porkchop” Mx Goggles
1x Case Monster Energy Rehab (For your hangover)
2nd Prize:
2x General Tickets to Supercross Africa
1x Pair of Von Zipper “Elmore” Sunglasses
3rd Prize:
2x General Tickets to Supercross Africa
Terms:
My decision is final! The tickets do not include transport or accommodation to the event.
The man is a legend! He redefined performance at Supertubes on his first wave ever at the point and when he paddled out for his ASP Heritage heat against Occy, he showed the World once again how good he is. Arcing turns, drawn out bottom turns and a perfect ten tube ride. It was a huge privilege to get to interview the man who inspired me to surf Jbay as a grom. His thoughts on surfing Jbay and what he thinks of Owen Wright, Matt Wilko, Joel Parkinson and of course Mick Fanning may just change your views on these surfers. So sit back, relax and listen to the master…
The ASP and the World can rejoice once more! Jbay is back and as usual delivered one of the best days of surfing on tour for the Finals. Even the Goofy footers can rejoice, though two naturals in the final, the semi final runs of both Matt Wilko and Owen Wright were incredible, with Wilko especially showing new levels of commitment never before seen at the famous point of Supertubes. In the end Parko was in sublime form to to beat Wilko in their semi final, but it took all his energy and he lost momentum going into the final. Mick Fanning on the other hand was surgical in his destruction of the Supertubes waves and once again showed how high his level of fitness is, cruising the final to take the win. Another highlight of the day was watching Occy and Tom Curren have a crack at the massive walls of water running down the point, with Tom getting the deepest tube of the day. The beach was more packed than ever before, I am sure the webcast numbers were huge and everyone is super stoked that Jbay is back on tour.
Everyone by now is aware of the crazy session over a few days that happened at Donkey Bay, in Namibia. Most have see the odd Gopro photo or sequence, one or two photos, but no real video. Well roll up your sleeves and get involved as Matt Bromley, the Payne brothers and Dale Staples charge it over the swell, with Dane Staples there to get all the action.
I am about to head off to Mossel Bay for the first of three Billabong Pro Junior events this year. Last year saw my mind blown by the level of surfing amongst our elite junior surfers. I also got to know most of these groms and I can tell you we got a good bunch of boys and gals coming through the ranks in South Africa. This year the series has been cut to three events with Mossel Bay, Long Beach and finally the finals at Seal Point. A great kix with two right hand point venues with an a-frame beachy thrown in the mix. A huge prize pool will ensure that all the countries top groms are there competing and personally i cant wait to get on the mic and get this series started. So cheers and see ya at Inner Pool…
