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.

And Now the Judges Adjudicate on the 2011 Rebel Sessions

With the waiting period now officially over the wait will begin for all involved to see who the judges finally reward with a share of R110 000.

In the mix is ex-Matie, Mad Mike Baleta, who made it into the footage of five of the six Rebel Sessions this winter. Mike’s hell for leather approach saw him possibly snap the most boards during the waiting period, but whether or not that translates into accolades is for the judges to decide.

Dungeons from the Air

The favourite for the wave of the event must surely be Andy Marr, who was whipped into a massive bomb which made the cover of the Cape Times. The photo caused a great deal of confusion however as the e-edition claimed Mad Mike to be the surfer in question while the print edition proved to be correctly naming Marr as the man in the tow-straps.

Also making his dungeons debut during the waiting period was current surf club member James Lowe, the nephew of Cape big-wave ledged Simon Lowe.

Air dropping, during a BWA event

The contest was held over a hundred days of winter and spring from the 15^th of July until the 22^nd of October. In a unique approach to a surf event, the organisers had a maximum of ten sessions over the waiting period, which were all captured on film and still by the Fixerfilm crew. Eventually the ocean failed to come to the party completely and only six of the possible ten sessions were called. A purple patch in late August produced quality conditions enough to make up for the lack of quantity and so the judges will have their work cut out for them to decide on the winners.

Mad Mike on a solo Sunsets session

The categories and prizes up for grabs are:

• Best Paddle Wave - R50 000
• Best Tow-in Wave - R30 000
• Biggest Paddle Wave - R20 000
• Biggest Wipeout (Tow or Paddle) - R10 000

Check-out the videos from the event to make your own decision on who deserves the cash…