Tyrone Rawlins

Kevin Langeree has been coming to South Africa for 4 months at a time for the last 3 years and never left Cape Town. I was going to Durban for my Brother's birthday, so I told him and photographer Craig Kolesky to join me for a trip.

Midbay Motors from Richards Bay sponsored us a vehicle for the trip. We spent 5 days cruising around in our rocking VW Tourang with aircon which got well used in the Durban heat and humidity.

On arriving at Durban Airport, we shot off down the coast to Scotborogh for a good session in the warm Indian Ocean. We headed home to watch the A1 Grand Prix which was happening in Durban that day - Kevin was overwhelmed to a Dutch team in the event.

Monday there was no wind, so a tour around Durban's city and to the kite shops. We then headed up to Gateway Shopping Centre to the Wavehouse to have a go on the artificial wave. We spent the whole afternoon as well as every other afternoon we were in Durban battering and bruising ourselves. Kevin caught on quickly, and Craig enjoyed getting barreled.

Tuesday morning we rushed off back down the coast to Scottborogh for some swell to surf, but when we got there, the wind was already howling - no worries we will go kiting... but neither of us had packed a pump!!! We headed back up the coast to Amamzintoti to Warner Beach. This beach has an outcrop of rocks which makes the inside section very smooth, unfortunately it was only 10am and everybody was still at work so we still had no pump. We eventually headed to kite beach - basically where we left from in the first place, there were a few kiters hanging around who enjoyed the riding they got to see. Before heading back to the Wavehouse, we stopped in the La Mercy Lagoon for a quick flat water session. That evening we went to Taco Zulu - a great little Mexican restaurant owned by Pro surfer (now kiting) Richard Sills for some Burrito's and Tequila's.

Wednesday morning was my brother's birthday - so another early wake up call. After dropping him at school we headed inland towards Pietersmaritzburg to the Lion Park. We lucked out, seeing so many animals: Elephants, a variety of buck, zebra and of coarse lions... our car was chased by a male - must have liked the smell of Kevin. After our drive through the Lion Park, we headed back to the coast and up the north to Richards Bay to thank Midbay Motors for the vehicle. After a quick meet and greet and some pictures for the local newspaper, we headed for the beach. We had a great session at Alkastrand Beach - flat inside sections with little kickers and waves on the outside. The water was a little dirty as they pump sand from the habour into the beach, which is the reason for such good waves and conditions - the bottom is totally flat. We arrived home to a huge birthday dinner for my brother.

We took Kevin out to experience the Durban lifestyle and see some of the quality of the Durban ladies. We also almost tried our hand at the casino, but got over it and opted for bed instead. 

Thursday was a later start and a day to relax, we visited the Durban beach front, but the surf was not that good, so we decided to head back to the Wavehouse for one last time. After dinner we headed for the airport where we sat on the runway for 45 minutes waiting for 1 passenger to board. It was a great trip, thanks to Craig for the pictures, Midbay Motors for the great car and my mom and dad for feeding and putting up with us for the week