One of the legends in South African surfing is Rudy Palmboom Snr. It has long been known that Rudy Rules The Rock, and these days whenever Durban Town gets a hammering by a cyclone swell Rudy departs from his home behind the hill, heads for Gotham and proceeds to tear apart town waves as well. Rudy is a member of the O’Neill family in South Africa and we decided to catch up with ‘the ballie’ and see what’s been happening.
Rudy Rules The Rock
How old are you ballie?
I’m 50 years old.
Where did you learn to surf?
Crossways Beach, Bluff.
How long have you been surfing for now?
I’ve been surfing since I was 12, so that makes it 38 years.
Who are your favourite surfers in the world?
Kelly Slater and Taj Burrow.
Rudy claims Slater ©Cestari/ASP
Where is your favourite / best surf spot?
Cave Rock.
Lekker place to call home, Cave Rock © Shields
Who makes your boards?
Clayton.
What are your standard board dimensions?
6’0 x 193/4 x 2 7/16
What are your surfing goals?
To surf more when my foot is healed and to travel more.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still surfing as often as I can
What is wrong with surfing right now?
Right now? The surf is kak.
What’s the best thing about surfing?
The adrenalin and stoke amps you to surf more. It keeps you fit and stress-free.
What is your dream destination?
Hopefully Indonesia. I would like to go there for about a month.
Who is your all time hero?
Shaun Tomson. His tube riding at Cave Rock during my early days.
What irritates you the most when going surfing?
Getting side tracked by arb work-related issues while rushing off to surf The Rock.
Who would you like to win the 2010 World Title
Jordy Smith
Jordy Smith - world title 2010?
If you didn’t surf what would you do?
Windsurf and fish from my sea kayak.
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