Surfing the Sand River!

Andrew (Zoomie) taking on the chocolate rollers. Image Dan Chipps

Must admit I blinked once or twice when I first saw Richard's shot of his lightie Zoomie surfing the stand-up wave in the Sand River - not something you see every day! Turns out local Dan Chipps spotted the potential for some fun when the river came down and sent out a call to all his mate's to see who was up for it - and only Zoomie came to the party. So the 2 of them went on a mission!

We caught up with Dan to find out more:

ML: So how did the river surfing mission come about?

Dan: When we heard the bridge washed away I knew there was no time to surf Bruces with those crowds! So I sent out my broadcast message asking if any one wants to join me in trying to surf the sand river. Eight local messages were sent, but only one guy was keen - Zoomie (Andrew) Arderne. So I packed the car with some boards, a ski rope and went to drop the lady off....there are more important things going on! 

ML: So how hard was it to find a wave?

Dan: We parked the car and ran into the water which swept us down a little, and found a perfect wave. But the problem was it was right at the bridge where every one could see us! 

ML: Heard the cops had an issue with you guys!

Yah, the police tried to pull rank on us telling us to get out, but they were wayyyy too afraid to get in and fetch us! We weren't amped to cause a scene, so we went further downriver.

ML: What was the wave like?

This river surfing story isn't easy! When you fall off it takes you into trees and washes you around! I had a couple of good ones though! When we got out we got surrounded by these Dutchmen wanting to cuff us! We told them what we thought though! I mean, people do this in the Amazon and here its like 40cm deep! 

Had a good laugh at them, gave them my hands saying "cuff me and we will see what happens to you for doing it". I mean it was not even their property! 

We got out of it though!

Definitely going to go back there next time with a 1/4 pipe I have and stick that into the river and see what happens. Only problem is your boards are finished after surfing the river. The branches and trees and stuff beat them up bad.

Dan with a stylish layback