Ocean life, surfing, swimming and coastal adventures from Durban, South Africa 🇿🇦

I’m Mike Frew — surfer, swimmer and ocean enthusiast sharing real experiences from the water.

Based in Durban on South Africa’s east coast, this channel captures life in KwaZulu-Natal, from heavy surf and glassy mornings to dolphins, sardine runs, pool and open water swimming, surf fitness, sailing and major weather events.

You’ll find:

• Surfing in Durban and around South Africa
• Dolphins, marine life and ocean encounters
• Pool and open water swimming, surf fitness and training
• GoPro POV sessions in real conditions
• Floods, storms and rare coastal events
• South African surf culture and community

Whether it’s a perfect offshore morning, a cyclone swell, dolphins or a major weather event, the goal is simple: document the ocean as it really is.

Thanks for following along 🤙

Mike Frew | Frewbru

Durban Surfing, SA Surfing, KZN Waves, Open Water Swimming, Pool Swimming, Dolphins, Coastal Weather


Frewbru

Looking back at Cole Houshmand’s 2026 Ballito Pro win, it’s pretty remarkable to see what followed.

Ballito title → a few heats at the US Open in Huntington → CT win at Cloudbreak → now into Finals Day at Trestles.

After a tough first half of the season, something clearly clicked in Ballito. 🤙🏽

Was pretty rad to watch it unfold up close — both in the water and behind the scenes.

#PowerHoush #ColeHoushmand #BallitoPro #Surfing

1 week ago | [YT] | 8

Frewbru

How can you tell we’re heading into summer 🪼☀️

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Frewbru

Well… that escalated quickly.
4m @ 20 seconds.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 17

Frewbru

POST-SURF RECOVERY: Swim -> Compression boots -> Hydromassage -> Sauna to help loosen up tired legs, improve circulation and get the body feeling ready for the next session.

#Surfing #SurfRecovery #PostSurfRecovery #SurfTraining #Recovery #Swim #CompressionBoots #Hydromassage #Swimming #Sauna #SurfLife #SouthAfrica

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Frewbru

📍 Durban vs Cape Town

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 18

Frewbru

I got to speak to some pretty talented and interesting people as part of the live broadcast at the Ballito Pro this year. Some great insights and stories from some of the world’s best surfers. 🤙🏽🌊

1 month ago | [YT] | 16

Frewbru

BEAUTIFUL… BUT DON’T TOUCH! 🪼🌊

Bluebottles and jellyfish are one of those things that are part of everyday life on South African beaches.

They can wash up in huge numbers — and even when they’re lying on the sand, those tentacles can still sting.

After years of surfing KZN beaches, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with these guys! 😂

Have you ever been stung by a bluebottle or jellyfish?

👇 Where did it happen?

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Frewbru

WHEN METALLICA SURFED IN DURBAN 🤘🏽🌊

Found this old photo from 2006, when Metallica were in South Africa for the Coca-Cola Colab Massive Mix.

I got to spend a few days surfing in KZN with Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo — this photo was taken on the Durban beachfront.

A pretty random combination of worlds… heavy metal and Durban surf! 😂🤙🏽

They were actually keen surfers, and Kirk and Rob even picked up surfboards while they were here.

Anyone remember Metallica being in Durban in 2006? 🤘🏽🌊

#Metallica #KirkHammett #RobTrujillo #Durban #DurbanSurfing #SouthAfricanSurfing #SurfingHistory

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 12

Frewbru

🌊 DURBAN SURFING HISTORY — GUNSTON 500 🇿🇦

Found this incredible old photo from the 1994 Gunston 500 at North Beach, Durban, captured by legendary Durban surf photographer Pierre Tostee.

Richie Collins went on to win the event, with Kelly Slater finishing runner-up.

Just look at that crowd on the Durban beachfront — and the old Jo Kools in the background. 😎

The Gunston 500 was one of the biggest events on the South African surfing calendar, bringing many of the world’s best surfers to Durban.

Hard to believe this was more than 30 years ago.

Who remembers the Gunston 500 days? 🌊👇🏽

#Gunston500 #DurbanSurfing #Durban #SouthAfricanSurfing #SurfingHistory #KellySlater #PierreTostee

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Frewbru

🌊 SOME SERIOUS CAPE TOWN SURF. 🇿🇦

A few photos from some memorable sessions at Dungeons and Sunset Reef in Cape Town.

Big waves, cold water and some pretty special days in the Atlantic. 🌊

Always humbling to watch these places come alive.

Have you surfed either of these waves, or had the chance to see them in person? 👇🏽

#CapeTown #Dungeons #SunsetReef #SouthAfricanSurfing #Surfing

1 month ago | [YT] | 68