Having grown up refining his skills on the walls of Long Beach, Kommetjie, this Cape shredder has since graduated to some of the gnarlier spots around the Peninsula. When he’s not in the pit or freeing up his fins with a massive turn, however, you may find him on a different kind of wall – keeping fit by making his own climbing routes. Meet this week’s Surf Ninja, Peter van der Merwe…

NAME: Peter van der Merwe
AGE: 23
LOCAL SPOT: Long Beach, Kommetjie

BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Spending time in nature with my mates, and getting barrelled.

WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Wet wetties.

TO MAKE A LIVING I..?
I’m currently taking a couple months off, staying at home and milking the slow life. I set the odd route at the climbing gym for a little bit of side cash. It doesn’t pay that well, but gets me into the gym for free and keeps me fit.

THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
Led Zepplin – When the Levee Breaks
Pupajim – International Farmer
Placebo – Trigger Happy Hands

BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
I’d have to say John John. The way that he can throw it down in all spheres of surfing is pretty impressive.

DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
I enjoy the odd dawnie, hey!

WHICH SPOT DO YOU HAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
Chopes for sure. The pits out there… yoh!!!

WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE?
Cruising in the Kom, hanging with Sam, my girlfriend, or out climbing in the mountains.

GREATEST FEAR?
Paralysis.

BEST SURFING MEMORY?
Coming out of a sizable pit at Kalk Bay and having one of the older bodyboards tune me, “bru, that was the best pit I’ve seen out here since the 70’s”. I was psyched on that!