Logjam is Nigh

HAPPY LOGGING: Dorette Oosthuizen heads out for some rollers. Photo Dougal Paterson

WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR CREATING THE LOGJAM INVITATIONAL AND HOW HAS THE EVENT EVOLVED?

Jamie: Inspiration for the event came from Joel Tudors Ductape Series. Also for the fact that Muizenberg didn't have any kind of surfing event, and this is where surfing started in Cape Town. It's such a cool place to celebrate surfing and beach culture in the Mother City. We both just dig logging and thought it would be a fun thing to put together, and it has been!

Liam: Ja, I agree. Also, a few years ago there weren't many people riding traditional style longboards or logs, and because of our love for it we wanted to get likeminded people together, let them do their thing, and use it as an excuse to celebrate surfing while doing something different. Something fun, offbeat and not necessarily high performance, because surfing encompasses a broad spectrum, and there're all kinds of people who surf so the Logjam serves to celebrate the variety, and leave everyone smiling at the end of the day. It's about fun, not about winning.

WALL TO WALL: Some examples of the beautiful retro craftmanship going on. Photo Robb

LOVE THIS CONCEPT GUYS, AND HAVING ATTENDED A FEW JAMS I CAN SAY THAT THE VIBES ARE REALLY GOOD. WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE?

Jamie: At the end of the day, we're putting a bunch of vagabond and alternative style surfers together, and part of the format is there's no divisions. There's guys, girls, groms, ballies who all surf together but not in a standard competitive format, everyone's doing it for the love. Everybody from surfers, filmers, musos & public gets involved and that's what makes it special. You won't find a more diverse backline in South Africa. All races, ages, sexes, people are just having fun We feel like the recipe's been changing and evolving every year and this year's event has been a real experiment with a whole lot of new things like social media voting for entrants, a winner takes all cash prize, plus the whole festival built around the surfing, and we feel that if we can pull this one off the way we hope to, we'll have a good formula for a rocking annual beach surf-carnival! It also ties in with the total rejuvenation of Muizenberg. Beach culture has returned and it's evident by the surf shops, and the diversity in the water. You won't find a more diverse backline in South Africa. All races, ages, sexes, people are just having fun and enjoying surfing, goofing off, and smiling, and ja, it's a beautiful thing.

Liam: What we've done is put some very organic systems in place that have allowed for positive expression. We're getting good people with good vibes on board and having a good time is what it's all about. If you've got a kak attitude then rather stay away, or pull in because maybe the event will inspire you to lighten up! Getting back to our roots and surfing for the right reasons. Our motives are good. Not for profit. It's about the community, for the short, medium and long term and that foundation has guided us and allowed for a beautiful event that has grown so naturally and it's so cool to see it unfolding. The culture is so diverse and unique, we don’t need to copy other cultures, we've got our own flavor entirely and this event is about bringing people and showcasing it.

JUMP FOR JOY: Chris Heath warms up for his style display at the Corner. Photo Dougal Paterson

CAN YOU EXPAND ON THE UNIQUE FORMAT OF THE EVENT?

Liam: The board format is based on traditional logs, which is a longboard with a single fin. Typically, these boards are wider, heavier, with straighter rails and the boards allow for more fluid style, and less progression in terms of off the lip. It's more about the footwork, grace, style, and flow. It's also about connecting with the board, riding on the board, and then riding the wave on that board; it's about flowing with wave and board, and being in the moment.

Jamie: These "restrictions" make for an even playing field as no one's got a distinct advantage because everyone is on a heavy old school board. There's some amazing surfers in the field who can do amazing things on their log and it's a beautiful way to surf and it's a great display watching guys & gals who are dedicated to their craft perform. The format we've developed where guys and girls surf against/with each other is quite unique as far as I know, there's no one else doing it anywhere in the world, and logging is the only true form of surfing that permits that. It's not about how strong you are or how hard you can rip, it's as Liam mentioned, all about the grace, style and flow and lady sliders are as good if not better at this than the guys!

ALLO OLO: The legendary Bruce Gold digs to come through from the Bay of Jay. Photo Little

THE EVENT IS COMPLETELY SELF-FUNDED AND DE-COMMERCIALIZED. AN UNUSUAL ASPECT THESE DAYS. WHAT IS THE THINKING BEHIND THIS, AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE OPERATING OF THE EVENT?

Jamie: This year is different. In previous years, it was run purely on a "for the love" basis and people offered to be a part of it for free. Photogs, bands and people just gave up their time on the day to help for the cause of it. We had some great help from local brands in terms of prizes and meals, but as time's gone on and the event has grown, it's outgrown African Soul Surfer which was the HQ and it's morphing into something a whole lot bigger and obviously, there are costs involved in all of this. We've turned down some kind offers for sponsorship because we don't want to sell the concept out to big brands. Rather keep it local and rootsy and it would go against what we're celebrating to splash big brand names all over it. So, we came up with concept this year to throw a massive after party, like a proper surfer/skater skop, which doesn’t happen enough, but everyone wants it, and see if we can make enough money at the after party to cover everything. Especially the R10,000 winner takes all prize, which is a new development. We've got an amazing lineup of bands and DJ’s, rad giveaways like an awesome surfboard being given out and we hope to have an epic night and fund the whole event.

SHAKA BRU: Alfonso Peters is always a threat when it comes to styling. Photo Dougal Paterson

WHY THE INCREASE IN THE POPULARITY OF LOGGING IN RECENT YEARS?

Jamie: It seems to be happening all over the world, and my thinking is: Surfing has gone so high performance that I think it's marginalized a lot of surfers. But surfers cover a broad spectrum and not everyone wants to surf in a rip-shred-tear kind of style. A lot of people just surf because they love the feeling of catching a moving piece of water and cruising down the line. So, I think logging has appealed to a large portion of surfers just wanting to have fun. Personally, I find it quite an untapped style of wave riding. Surfing has gone so high performance that I think it's marginalized a lot of surfers. Cross stepping, trimming, and riding in the flow of the wave as well as opening small wave riding potential is what I enjoy about it. It can also be attributed to the rise of the girl surfer movement which has grown exponentially. It's got a lot more going for it in terms of style. That said, we are not strict log fanatics; we ride all types of boards and embrace all the shapes on offer. Do what makes you happy, that's all that matters.

Liam: Yes, and just to expand on what you said regarding performance surfing, I think a lot of people are almost coming out of a surfing hangover from the 90's where, I know for sure, that I was riding the wrong boards because I saw all the pro's riding them and thought that's what I had to do. I think people generally want to have a more fun, and authentic experience. There's a whole lot of people going back in time and relooking at these relics of the past, and seeking out experiences that are fun and not pretentious. That's what logging is. It takes us back to our roots. It's easy to ride but it can be super technical if you want it to be. I'm at a point where I'd rather be surfing shin to knee height waves, having the time of my life, than surfing 4-6 foot barrels amongst a crowd. It's given me freedom and I feel like a grommet again.

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE LOGJAM?

Jamie: Well, the way it's evolved into an all-inclusive beach festival, where we've got skating, music, food, art, and great surfing, all happening at this awesome beach where it all started way back when (almost 100 years ago) that includes the community, that will be the best possible outcome ever. Essentially that's it, to have a surfing and beach culture festival each year in Muizenberg.

Liam: Ja, on top of what Jamie's said, I couldn’t think of a better way and a better place to celebrate surfing, and surfing in South Africa. It's so accessible to so many people, surfers and non-surfers, and it's just epic, really.

ANY LAST SHOUT OUTS, PARTING SHOTS OR WORLDLY ADVICE?

Jamie: A big shout out to Bill (Liam's dad) of Woodpecker surfboards. He made us the beautiful wooden log that is the floating trophy of the Logjam. The winner takes it, surfs it for a year and get's their name engraved on it. It's becoming a special board that grows in energy at every event. Another shout out goes to Craig at Lifestyle and York Surfboards. He's been a great support through the whole spiel: judging, providing giveaways and just great in general. Single Mingle is a free for all Finally, the Logjam is an invite only event but the Single Mingle, happening in the middle of the day, is a free for all, so bring your most colourful outfit, your single fin and let's have fun! Donations go towards the great work done by Smile & Wave for adaptive surfing.

Liam: In terms of thank you's there's just too many, but I'd like to thank all the local surfers. All of those who are comfortable in stepping outside their comfort zones and riding unusual boards that others look down on. I find it inspiring. The people who are seeking fun in surfing, a grom, an old ballie paddling on his knees, it's all inspiring and I'd like to thank them.