Before Dungeons | The origins of big wave surfing in South Africa

Dungeons lies on the tip of the African continent and launched South Africa into big-wave infamy during the late 1990s. But did you know that nearby Sunset Reef is a far more perfect prospect, and where big wave surfing in South Africa really began?
Behind the Peak is a brief look at the history of these two wildly different waves that have collectively produced some of the best surfers in the world when it comes to slinging a 9-foot-something gun over the ledge. According to 3x World Champ Grant Twiggy Baker, neither wave has been ridden close to its full potential yet and the best is yet to come, especially out at Sunset.
"There's the opportunity there to get just a mind-bending barrel on a really big wave" reckons Twiggy, who says the place is capable of producing tubes on par with Jaws. "One of us is going to do it soon, but once it hits 20 feet and over, it becomes a really dangerous, proper big wave.”

[@wanaitu.1825]

Slept in my kombi at long beach the night of the superstorm of April 1984, sunset was so massive the next morning I could see Hout Bay through the barrels. I estimate it was 60ft +. Storm ripped up all the kelp beds at long beach and piled them on the beach till they were 20 ft+ high. Wish I had a camera that morning. Great vid, nice to see some of my old buds.

[@NowNowMedia]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeremydeTolly]

"Backdoor it you big Daphne!' 😂

[@OceanConservationNamibia]

Amazing stuff Now Now team! Onwards and Upwards!

[@NowNowMedia]

Thank you so much OCN family.

[@nicholashoffman307]

Big ups on this one - very neat comparison & solid filming/commentary! Thanks, Now Now : )

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks for the positive response and support Nicholas.

[@thedanlife]

Love seeing footage from Kommetjie, thanks for sharing guys, good stuff

[@NowNowMedia]

Stoked you enjoyed it Daniel, and Kommetjie sure is a special place. All the best.

[@seancallahan1312]

I used to get really creeped out by the rocks at Mavericks, especially when it was big and fogged in a few times. I always thought: "Man, I should get my shit together and get to Dungeons, it looks like Maverick's without the rocks..." But hearing how it shifts all around, that's a whole different animal. They all are, I guess. I'm so broken up physically I can't even longboard anymore. Moot point now. Do your yoga, boys. I wish I did.

[@John_Morley]

Sjoe, now that was a way to spend my break. haha That was really good guys. I've lived in Cape Town all my life but in 8 minutes I felt like I know more about SunSets, Dungeons, and the legends more than ever.

[@NowNowMedia]

Cheers John, thanks for watching!

[@DavidMcMaster]

Epic stuff! Amped to see what this winter brings!

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks David. Likewise.

[@asaprayray4335]

such a classic photo at 4:02 a fresh faced Lance Slabbert on the right

[@seancallahan1312]

Great, great video by the way. Love this. What a crew.

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks a lot Sean. Much appreciated.

[@swipe87]

About time guys. We waited 6 months for a new vid 👍 Edit: worth the wait

[@NowNowMedia]

Apologies for the wait James. Stoked you liked it and thanks for comment. We'll do our best to keep the rhythm going.

[@nigelbrennan3816]

Great production . The memories must have faded though as Piers Pittard was surfing Sunset Man Alleen before any of the greats mentioned here .

[@dalibofurnell]

My Bru! 🤙🌊 you're revving me up now 😅 lekker man ❤thx for sharing !

[@darrencroxford]

Epic! Nicely done chaps.

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks a lot Darren! Much appreciated.

[@proinseasokiellig4388]

Nice..great that it works in so many conditions and has so many moods.

[@NowNowMedia]

Big waves are mysterious things. They’re never really the same. Beautiful and intriguing

[@Viaene87]

Loved watching this

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks a lot Bruce! Much appreciated.

[@robbieirlam414]

Incredible footage!

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks a lot Robbie! So good to hear from you. All the best. AvG

[@robbieirlam414]

@@NowNowMedia see you sometime soon, hopefully!

[@alveer3321]

👏🤙😚🎨🌊🌞🌍😍

[@Antoinette-iv6ev]

Awesome ,no tow in surfing,thats a pure source

[@godisbollocks]

0:20 What a farken wave. Insane

[@philliphunter2189]

southen hemisphers finest stay safe out there.

[@danielbtwd]

I have caught some of the biggest crayfish I've ever seen on that reef.

[@jeffg4686]

@5:39 - came out way after the spit. how the foam ball didn't get him on that one, I'll never know. I'll never know.

[@michaelsaayman2802]

Remember surfing all the spots around Cape Town in the early 80's. I was Sh@@T Scared of Sunset Beach.😀

[@murraylloyd6011]

Remember JP and Davie stalk hitting sunset way back in the day.

[@jaqueesetheobese4403]

Ag ya no lekker man

[@NowNowMedia]

Haha. Thanks Jaqueese.

[@sebkobra8703]

no cass collier in this vid? weird

[@konstruktus]

Backdoor it you daphney ! hahahahaa Ja Oom!

[@marleyskinner8463]

these dude dont even talk about the sharks that place is riddled with them

[@percsone]

man, this made me home sick

[@tormarquis]

Music mix is really annoying. Just to listen to the narrative, we have to tolerate this nonsensical unrelated rap. Makes me navigate the mute button a little too much.

[@NowNowMedia]

Hi Tor, appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching.