Rolling Retro 2012 - Best Day of the Year

Rolling Retro Smiles - 2012 was amazing! (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

I am sitting at my desk, 4 days after the event and I can't help but smile. The photos, the video, the messages from people who came, the write ups on all the other blogs and websites and of course my pure and joyous memories of the day (Those not addled by all the beer consumed.), all lead up to one simple conclusion - Rolling Retro is the most fun and awesome day on the SA Surf calendar and boy I am proud to be a part of it. A large part of the success must go down to my home and beach of Llandudno. There are very few places where you have such beautiful surroundings, the amazing Lifesaving Club and waves that do not suck! The people, the rad peeps, who came out in their droves, dressed to the hilt and ready to have a good time - they helped to. Then there was the weather, baking hot, hardly a breath of wind and of course the freaky warm water that saw many people surfing in boardshorts and costumes. All of these lead me to one inexplicable conclusion - the Rolling Retro is blessed!



I don't think I have ever seen so many people enjoying the stoke of surfing together for one day in one place. It was hard not to though. With over 40 classic retro surfboards from Vudu Surf to choose from, a heat with just you and your mates being allowed to dominate the line up and gorgeous people everywhere, this was a day made for enjoyment!

Huge thanks must go to the team who assisted with making this event a reality again. Namely Robby McDonald and the Vudu Surf team, Cheo and Arno from RVCA, Roosta, Debi, Amy, Caylin, Sally, Gavin, the Llandusno Lifesavers and community, Dene Botha, Seth and the Red Bull Team, Warbot for the beats, all the photographers and journalists, Paul and troy with theGoodLife and of course you guys, the people who came and made the day what it was. (If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me!)
Sponsors: Vudu Surf, RVCA, Red Bull, theGoodLife, Hurricane, Backsberg, Indo Sole, Wet Sac, Reef Wetsuits, Mrs Palmers

We are seriously looking forward to more great events in the future and of course the return of the Rolling Retro in 2013. Enjoy the photos:

Jordy Smith doing what he does best - Ripping! (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

The viewing Gallery at LDD Lifesaving Club (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Vudu Surf's awesome Retro Collection. (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Pottamus the Bull Dog gets in on the action. (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Llandudno delivering once again for Rolling Retro. (Photo: Ant Fox)

Roosta ripping an old Quad Fin (Photo: Ant Fox)

The beach was packed & covered by RVCA Brollies. (Photo: Johnson)

I was one happy Captain! (Photo: Johnson)

For more photos go check theGoodLife's page for the big Rolling Retro Album - HERE

In the time of Beaver Tails and Single Fins - Rolling Retro Returns

The Fool showing everyone how it is done in 2011. (Photo: Winston)

There was a time in the evolution of surfing culture that stands out above all others. It was a time that spanned 3 decades, from "Free Love", oceanic Longboards and family waves , to rock & roll and Single Fin charging and finally synthesizer music, Luminescent everything and Twin Fins. Yes these were the Retro days of surfing through the 60's, 70's and 80's. Most of us cannot remember those years, though we fondly know of them through the media and tales from our salty and much older surf brethren. But the good news is that for one day every year those years return to us. For one day we can be what our parents were in their hedonistic youth, for one day we can all Roll Retro!

The boards are more important than Roosta, Royden and myself... (Photo: Winston)

Last year saw over 500 people come join in the fun of the Rolling Retro surf day at LLandudno and over 5000 beers consumed. Families, groms, girls, woman, boys, men and even those rare creatures, the Pro Surfer. No one was judged, there were no first or even last places. Everyone got to surf their dream Retro surfboard and everyone walked away with a prize. This year is no different and this Saturday we will once again experience the past, while having an absolute party and good times. Robby McDonald of Vudu Surf brings around 40 retro boards from his collection to the beach, so fear not if you dont own a retro board. We do however hope that you will bring your own boards if you have them, as we love to see old boards.

Roosta doing weird and wonderful things on a very old board. (Photo: Winston)

Prizes for the Day:
- Best Wave (Male, Female & Grom)
- Best Dressed (Male & Female)
- Best Retro Bikini
- Best Retro Board
- Best Retro Wetsuit and a couple more throughout the day!

The event is at the Llandudno Lifesaving Club, while the prize giving and after party will be held at the Suikerbossie above Hout Bay and Llandudno.  The Lifeguards will have food, cold drinks and sweets for sale and the Club Bar will be open.


NB: Llandudno is now a "Blue Flag" beach so be aware of the following:
No dogs
No drinking on the beach
If you park illegally it is likely that you will be fined
Increased law enforcement (keep it tidy please)
Parking will be at a premium, so get there early, or you will be walking from up the hill.

Details of the Event and Common Questions:
Date: Saturday 21 January 2012
Entry: R100 (You will get a limited edition Rolling Retro TShirt & go into the draw for a Twin Fin replica, but only 100 places available.)
Registration: 9am at Llandudno Lifesaving Club Heats start at 11am and continue to around 6pm. Lifesaving Club will close at 7:30pm!  

Prize Giving & After Party at Suikerbossie:
Prize Giving: 8pm
Entry: R50, includes a deluxe Boerie Roll or Veg Roll (If you entered the Retro, you will just pay R20 for the Boerie.)
Live Music and DJ Warbot till Midnight. We HOPE you remain in your retro gear!

Any media enquiries can be directed to me at - kaisurf@yahoo.com