Border surfers competing in the South African Masters Championships have set their sights on winning the team trophy for a record ninth time in a row to honour local legend Dave Fish.
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world for the world- famous surfer who died of a heart attack days before the event started at Seal Point earlier this week.
Fish’s son Simon, who is also a top surfer and board shaper, yesterday told Saturday Dispatch the family was amazed when the event was dedicated to his father’s memory and organisers gave them the red vest he wore when he won his division last year.
“We have received messages of support from all over the world, from people we don’t even know.”
Although Simon Fish has surfed many times for Border he was not going to partake in the masters event this year.
But that all changed when his father died and he was asked to surf in his memory. “It is a huge privilege for me to be surfing in my dad’s memory and honour.
“The Border okes have really taken me in as one of their own.”
Fish said surfers from all over the Eastern Cape and beyond would be coming to Seal Point for a massive paddle out at the beach at 2pm today to honour his father.
Many of the 150 surfers, who all have to be over 30 to compete in the masters championships, are expected to also attend a memorial service at the nearby Cape St Francis Resort at 3.30pm along with surfers and friends from across the country.
Simon said his father had been counting the day until he represented Border again this year and walking the short distance from his beach house – where he has been living with his wife Judy for the past few years – to the Point to compete.
“It was going to be one of his last SA masters champs and he was really looking forward to it. He was instrumental in getting the competition held here.”
Fish said a second memorial paddle out would be held next Friday at Nahoon Reef. — davidm@dispatch.co.za
Surfers with a mission
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world for the world- famous surfer who died of a heart attack days before the event started at Seal Point earlier this week.
Fish’s son Simon, who is also a top surfer and board shaper, yesterday told Saturday Dispatch the family was amazed when the event was dedicated to his father’s memory and organisers gave them the red vest he wore when he won his division last year.
“We have received messages of support from all over the world, from people we don’t even know.”
Although Simon Fish has surfed many times for Border he was not going to partake in the masters event this year.
But that all changed when his father died and he was asked to surf in his memory. “It is a huge privilege for me to be surfing in my dad’s memory and honour.
“The Border okes have really taken me in as one of their own.”
Fish said surfers from all over the Eastern Cape and beyond would be coming to Seal Point for a massive paddle out at the beach at 2pm today to honour his father.
Many of the 150 surfers, who all have to be over 30 to compete in the masters championships, are expected to also attend a memorial service at the nearby Cape St Francis Resort at 3.30pm along with surfers and friends from across the country.
Simon said his father had been counting the day until he represented Border again this year and walking the short distance from his beach house – where he has been living with his wife Judy for the past few years – to the Point to compete.
“It was going to be one of his last SA masters champs and he was really looking forward to it. He was instrumental in getting the competition held here.”
Fish said a second memorial paddle out would be held next Friday at Nahoon Reef. — davidm@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos