Meet Cassiem Collier, Cape Town’s Surfing Legend

I’m so excited to introduce you to Cassiem Collier, a true legend in the world of surfing. I can’t wait to share his incredible story with you! So, grab your board and get ready for a wild ride.

Cassiem Collier is a local hero here in Cape Town, known for his extraordinary skills on the waves. Now, let me tell you why he’s such a big deal and how he became a surfing legend.

Growing up in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Cassiem discovered his love for the ocean at a young age. The waves spoke to him in a way nothing else could. He felt an instant connection with the sea, and the thrill of riding the waves became his ultimate passion.

Cassiem’s dedication and hard work were evident from the start. He spent countless hours practicing and honing his surfing skills. From the moment he caught his first wave, he knew he had found his calling.

As Cassiem’s talent blossomed, he began competing in local surfing competitions, leaving his competitors awestruck. He quickly gained a reputation for his fearless approach and smooth style. His ability to navigate even the most challenging waves was truly extraordinary.

But Cassiem’s journey to becoming a surfing legend wasn’t without its obstacles. He faced numerous setbacks and injuries along the way. However, he never let these challenges deter him. With each setback, he grew stronger and more determined to succeed.

Cassiem’s perseverance paid off when he started competing on the international stage. He quickly made a name for himself with his unforgettable performances. People all over the world were captivated by his grace and skill, and his popularity skyrocketed.

Beyond his accomplishments in surfing, Cassiem has become a source of inspiration for aspiring surfers everywhere. He believes in the power of following your passions, no matter the obstacles. Cassiem’s story reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

So, if you’re dreaming of riding the waves like Cassiem, take a page from his book. Work hard, stay dedicated, and never give up on your dreams. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll become a legend in your own right, just like Cassiem Collier.

Have you ever heard of the dreadlocked surfer who owns the surfing academy on Muizenburg Beach? If not, let me introduce you to Cassiem “Cass” Collier – a true legend in his own league.

Being a Triple Western Province Champion, Big Wave World Surfing Champion, and one of the best surf coaches globally, I made history back in 1999 when I became the first surfer of color to win an international surfing title.

If you want to ride the massive waves at Dungeons in Hout Bay, South Africa, you better be a legendary surfer with nerves of steel. Those waves can tower up to 18 meters high and crash down into frigid, shark-infested waters that no one can predict. It’s like an ocean battlefield, and only the toughest big-wave surfers make it out alive.

I’m going to tell you about Cass, one of the original surfers to ride the waves at Dungeons. When Cass was a kid, he spent most of his time in the waters of 9 Miles Beach, in a place called Strandfontein. Back then, there were only a few beaches where people who weren’t white were allowed to go, and Cass made the most of it. He was a competitive swimmer and learned how to surf when he was just 9 years old. His dad, Ahmed Collier, was a true inspiration. Despite the apartheid rules that said he couldn’t, Ahmed would take Cass to the “whites only” beaches. Sometimes they would even get in trouble with the police, but Ahmed didn’t care. He was one of the first people to challenge the segregation and make surfing more inclusive in South Africa.

My dad, Ahmed Collier, was a fighter. He refused to accept the status quo of racially segregated beaches and fought tooth and nail to change the law. His determination and courage made a lasting impact on the surfing community.

You see, my dad wasn’t just a surfer; he was a man on a mission. His political beliefs during the apartheid era fueled his drive to excel in the sport he loved and to prove that ownership belonged to everyone, regardless of race.

He understood the importance of owning oneself, both physically and mentally. It wasn’t just about riding the waves; it was about transcending the barriers that society had imposed upon him.

And he succeeded. Ahmed Collier may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on. His passion and determination serve as an inspiration to others, reminding us that we can make a difference, even in the face of adversity.

Despite all the challenges I faced, I never gave up. I kept pushing forward until I found myself on the global stage. That’s where my good friend and teammate, Ian Armstrong, and I competed in the Reef ISA Big Wave World Championships in 1999. And you know what? We won.

Winning that Big Wave title was a game-changer. It sent shock waves through the surfing community because no one knew who we were. People didn’t think we had what it takes to even make it to the finals, let alone win the whole competition. But we proved them wrong. We gave it our all, and the rest is history.

Our victory showed the world that appearances can be deceiving. Just because we had dreadlocks didn’t mean we couldn’t be champions. We shattered stereotypes and inspired others to chase their dreams, no matter what they looked like.

When Cass became the champion, the media became more interested in his background as a non-white individual during apartheid rather than focusing on his accomplishments as a world champion surfer.

‘When Ian and I made the decision to compete on an international level, we had to spend our own money since we had no sponsors to cover the costs of travel, accommodations, and everything else. Our next international competition took place in Haiti in 2000, and the day before the competition, I witnessed a friend and fellow competitor lose his life. It made me realize that you should never underestimate the power of 20 ft waves when you’re competing, because one mistake can cost you your life,’ Cass explains.

“I didn’t think the competition would continue after the incident, but they say ‘the show must go on.’ However, I decided that my life is more valuable, and I could make a greater impact by using my knowledge to teach surfing to people of all ages in my community. So, I slowly stepped away from competing and now I enjoy my time with the surfers at my academy.”

In 2005, filmmaker Nicolaas Hofmeyr documented Cass Collier and Ian Armstrong’s incredible journey to becoming the Big Wave World Champions. The documentary, titled Taking Back the Waves, aimed to shed light on Cass’s experiences as a colored surfer in South Africa during the apartheid era.

Cass retired from competitive surfing in 2000 and decided to establish the Cass Collier Surf Academy at Surfer’s Corner in Muizenburg. For the past 22 years, he has been teaching people of all ages how to surf.

‘I absolutely love seeing the smile on a surfer’s face when they finally achieve the exhilarating moment of standing on their surfboard and riding a wave. It’s the most incredible feeling! Every time we gather at Surfers Corner, ready to take on the waves, I can’t help but feel the rush of excitement.’

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