SURFING AND GOLF: THE PERFECT COUPLE
Surfing and Golf are two disciplines that a decade ago, couldn’t been more different. A lot has changed over the years as we are beginning to discover that these two disciplines make the perfect couple.
Although the characteristics of the individuals from each discipline may seem to be the polar opposite as golfers are perceived as being law-abiding, clean-cut citizens whereas surfers are identified as the long-haired, anti-establishment individuals.
These stereotypes are nothing more than a past time as the attitudes, personalities and appearances of golfers and surfers are becoming more blurred. Surfers are becoming more “clean-cut” and golfers are becoming more “laid back”. The link between Surfing and Golf was identified due the overlapping characteristics each of these sports possess:
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- Independence: both surfing and golf involve the “sheer independence of being on your own” and both offer the ability to do something you have never done before, a hole-in-one on the next hole or a perfect 10 on the next wave.
- Only a few seconds to experience that moment of magic: For golfers, it’s the perfect “klap” of your drive that sends adrenaline throughout your body for only a few split seconds whereas, for surfers, it’s riding that perfect wave which in most cases, can only last a few seconds. That feeling each of these actions is indescribable and oh so addictive because nothing can quite compare.
- Good times with mates: Both disciplines give the opportunity to chat Sh*t with and experience that addictive sensation with your best mates. Not many sports offer the ability to share the stoke but these do! and they make for great memorable stories to bring up when its all over and enjoying a few beers together at the 19th hole.
Why surfing and golf are the perfect couple: Independence, magic and good times
Golfers see surfing as a hobby for an off day whereas surfers see golf as an alternative for when the waves aren’t doing their thing. This marriage has created a much larger community across the globe especially amongst the younger to middle-aged age groups as many people today engage with both surfing & golf.
South Africa is prime a destination for the surfing and golf wedding as our country is home to some of the most perfect waves and green. From the stretched-out draining right-handers of the iconic Jeffrey’s Bay to the ice-cold sand bars in the city of Cape Town and only a stone’s throw away from these zones lie world-renowned golf courses for one to spend their lay days or paydays.
The community is large and is constantly growing with new guys and ladies taking part in this marriage of the greats every day. This marriage is lead by some iconic athletes in the industry such as 11X WSL World champion Kelly Slater, 5X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore and PGA professionals such as Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Adam Scott. This lifestyle is evident within our very own 4-ball as each of us enjoys a morning paddle accompanied by a few strokes in the evening.
11X World Champion Kelly Slater with Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Adam Scott (Source: WSL)
In conjunction with this relationship, how people live their lives has also changed. The fine rigid line that separates the hard workers and the adventure seekers are slowly losing its shape and become more blurred as people can work from home or on holiday. The generic 9-5 work hours are slowly losing popularity as cafes, outdoors spaces and personal apartments are becoming a popular working hub and office dress codes have become more relaxed with casual Fridays every day.
This shift in people mindsets is for the better as it allows us to manage our time better and ultimately live a blurred life. This gives us the freedom to pursue our dreams and tick off that bucket list while simultaneously paying the bills.
“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.”