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Surfing | Surfing South Africa General Manager Robin De Kock Announces Retirement After 50 Years In The Sport 

The current General Manager of Surfing South Africa, Robin de Kock, announced his retirement recently. In a career spanning 50 years of involvement with the sport and 40 years of running it in South Africa, Robin has decided to spend more time with his family.

Robin De Kock with another surfing legend Graham Hynes

Robin De Kock (left) with another surfing legend, Graham Hynes

Robin De Kock's lifelong dedication to surfing began when he started surfing at the early age of eight in 1960, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in the sport.

His administrative journey in the sport is a story of commitment and dedication. It commenced at the club level when he was elected as the Secretary-General of the Atlantic Surf Club in 1974.

In 1976, he earned a position on the panel of accredited officials at the South African Surfing Championships. He worked at this event and international contests such as the Gunston 500, the Spur Surfabout, the European Surfing Championships, and the ISA World Surfing Championships for three decades.

His leadership skills were recognised in 1980 when he was elected President of WP Surfing and Vice President of the South African Surfing Association after serving as its Secretary General for six years.

In 1988, he was elected President of the South African Surfing Association, a role that paved the way for his historic election as the first President of the unified body (Surfing South Africa) in 1991.

He held this position until 2002, when he was appointed the first General Manager of Surfing South Africa.

His prowess in team leadership was evident as he successfully managed the SA Surfing Teams nine times between 1982 and 2004, a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.

In 1998, he was elected Vice President of the International Surfing Association. He was re-elected four times and stood down in 2012. He remains a member of the ISA Technical Committee.

Here are some significant milestones in his 40-year career as a surfing administrator. These milestones are a testament to his dedication and the impact he has had on the sport.  

  • The unification of the sport in 1991.
  • The establishment of the annual Grommet Development Surfing Games in 1992, which remains the primary transformation and development tournament for Surfing SA.
  • South Africa's return to the International Surfing Association in 1992.
  • A State Presidents Award from Nelson Mandela in 1996. He was elected as Vice President of the ISA from 1998 until 2012.
  • Presenting the ISA World Surfing Games in Durban in 2002, South Africa won.
  • South Africa's victory at the 2013 ISA World Games in Panama.
  • Surfing's inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Bianca Buitendag won a silver medal for South Africa and surfing during these games, which were held in 2021.

Surfing South Africa President Isaac February expressed profound gratitude and thanks for the General Manager's service.  

"On behalf of the entire surfing community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible dedication and leadership over many years. Your unwavering commitment and passion have shaped the organisation and significantly contributed to the growth and development of surfing in South Africa," said February.

"Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. Your legacy of dedication, mentorship, and love for the surfing community will continue to inspire and guide us. We are profoundly grateful for your contributions."

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Surfing, SA Surfing, Robin de Kock