Rebel Sessions

Mike's Cover Shot

With the demise of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event a few years ago a void was left in competitive big wave surfing in South Africa. But with an exciting new concept Rebel Media have launched the Rebel Sessions event, which is aiming to fill that void.

The event is staged over the ten best days of surf from July to October at either Dungeons or Sunsets. With prizes for the best paddle-in wave surfed (R50 000), the biggest tow-in wave surfed (30 000), the biggest paddle-in wave (R20 000) and the biggest wipe-out (R10 000) being awarded.

After a slow start in July the completion is off and running in August with consecutive weekends of massive swell and three days of epic surf at Dungeons. Sunday the 21^st was the stand-out size wise with calls of 30-40 foot on the 3.5 reef below the Sentinel. Among the hell-cats taking to the water was ex-Maties surf club team member Mad Mike Beleta, who did his burgeoning reputation the world of good as he snagged the Cape Times Monday cover photo. Mike was whipped into the 30 foot plus bomb by tow-in partner Paris Basson, but still had to fight confusion out of the water as the Times mistook him for Andy Marr.

Mike (in blue) during Milder Times with Christie at Betty's

With the swell dropping overnight Sunday’s tow session gave way to an epic day unassisted Dungeon chasing on Monday. Mike once again charged hard, but at the expense of his big wave quiver which suffered at the hands of Neptune. The ferocious lip demolished many a gun on Monday and apparently most of those belonged to Mad Mike.

It seems he’ll need the Rebel Sessions prize money just to make rent come the end of October if he keeps it up…

Good luck man!

For more on the Rebel Sessions or to check out the photos and videos of Mike and co. in action click here.