Surfing Swami Interviews Jonty Rhodes

Article by Surfing Swami on 6 February 2014 in Redbull.

Tete-a-tete with Mumbai Indian’s fielding coach and India’s surf ambassador.

Surfing Swami: Jonty, you are a legendary South African cricketer and currently the fielding coach for the Mumbai Indians. What first got you into surfing? When and where did you begin surfing?

Jonty: I started surfing when I retired from cricket, at the start of 2004, as I had figured that as somebody who had to lead a pretty active lifestyle for the past 15 years playing cricket and hockey, I would want to remain fairly fit. I lived in Durban at the time and found the conditions ideal for groms (of all ages), as the water was warm all year round, and the beachfront piers made the paddle out to back a great deal easier!

Surfing Swami: What inspired you to become the International Surf Ambassador for India?

Jonty: I spend a great deal of time in India, and fortunately, love every trip I make, be it business, or the business of cricket!

Cricket gets the lion's share of sponsorship [in India] and exposure [I] and wanted to try and shine a little "light" on the great work the Surf Federation is doing, and amazing potential India has as a surfing destination, for local and foreign surfers.