Melkbosstrand surf training

Melkbosstrand volunteer Kim Germishuys reports on a recent surf training session:'The Alpha Duty crew from NSRI Station 18 Melkbosstrand conducted surf training with the 4.2 zapcat ‘Men’s Health Rescuer’ as their ‘on-duty’ training.The surf was quiet powerful and the waves were ranging from 4 -6 ft. The crew and trainee coxswain were put through their paces by duty coxswain Frans Van Mosseveld. Training in the surf is essential for all crew at our base because of the coastline that our base services, we have everything from rocky islands & coastline, gradual to steep sloping beaches, sandbanks, the odd cliff and loads of kelp. Training in the surf helps the crew get used to the surf on our coastline and the ever changing environment that the sea presents to us. During some storms the surf can be breaking as far out as 1 – 2km. Surf training is a great way for all crew to learn how the surf works and how to anticipate and react to changes.”