Rasta Big Wave Rider - Cassiem Collier

Cassiem Collier, is a leader and elder in the Muizenberg Cape Town Surfing community.

Banner Image Credit : Nic Bothma

In this episode 29 of the Vast Lives podcast.

Steve and Cass sit down for a cup of coffee and fond recollection of the indellibale mark he and Ian Armstrong left in 1999 at The Todos Santos big Wave Championship. The stage was set and the world's greatest big wave riders gathered for the world championship event. Cass recollects with a wry smile and glint in his eye, ''They totally underestimated us as athletes. They didn't think that two unknown rasta's from the deep south in Cape Town could achieve what we did that day.'' 

Cass also highlighted the struggle faced during the apartheid years in South Africa and how his father Ahmed was fearless in trying to encourage surfing at all the restricted beaches around Cape Town.

Cass now runs a Surf School in muizenberg, providing a solid foundation to the up and coming community of African surfers. He went on to talk about how he helped coach Mikey February in his younger years. He is also very involved with the new generation of rippers, helping them find their path on the competitive scene.

A proud supporter of South African grass roots surfing.