When not flying the South African flag on the cricket pitch, Dewald Brevis is “hanging ten” along South Africa’s incredible shorelines.
South Africa (10 March 2025) – For most, cricket and surfing seem worlds apart: one played on lush green fields, the other in the endless blue of the ocean. But for Proteas batsman and Red Bull athlete Dewald Brevis, the two are more connected than they seem. His love for the waves has become more than just a pastime; it’s a passion that complements his game, offering both a thrill and a sense of calm beyond the intensity of professional cricket.
A Lifelong Pull Towards the Waves
Brevis’s fascination with surfing started when he was young, watching surfers in the early morning whenever he was near the ocean. But it wasn’t until recently, thanks to encouragement from close friend and pro surfer Seth Ali, that he finally took the plunge.
“I always wanted to surf, but I never really did until this year,” Brevis says. “Seth kept telling me, ‘Come, we need to go for a surf,’ and it took me three years. Finally, at the start of this year, I got into the waves, and it’s just the best feeling.”
For Brevis, surfing isn’t just about the sport – it’s about the experience. Out in the water, waiting for a wave, there’s a rare stillness, one that allows him to detach from the pressures of cricket completely.
“You almost find peace,” he explains. “It’s one of the only things that makes me forget about cricket for a moment. I just focus on surfing and enjoying it.” And he has big aspirations in the surf, too. “A bucket list thing for me is to get into a barrel at Jeffreys Bay or wherever. I think I still need to train a bit more, but that will happen soon.”
Riding Waves, Strengthening Bonds
Brevis isn’t the only Proteas player drawn to the ocean. His long-time teammate and friend Tristan Stubbs, or “Thabo,” as Brevis calls him, helped cement his love for the sport.
“He actually got me to surf properly,” Brevis says. “We were in Sri Lanka before a tour, just walking along the beach, and we saw surfboards. He said, ‘Come, we have to surf.’” What started as an impromptu session turned into an unforgettable experience. “We spent the whole morning through to the afternoon in the waves. I got a bad sunburn because I didn’t have any sunscreen on, but I didn’t care – it was unbelievable.”
Moments like these go beyond just having fun; they reinforce the camaraderie between teammates. “When you’re out there, you almost forget everything else. You’re just in the moment, enjoying it together,” says Brevis.
The Flow State: Surfing and Cricket Collide
Of all his surf sessions, one stands out: his first proper outing with Seth Ali.
“We’re really good friends, and he’s an absolute legend in surfing,” Brevis says. “He guided me perfectly, and just sitting out there in the ocean, we had these deep chats about how surfing and cricket are actually quite similar.” Both sports require focus, instinct, and the ability to stay present in the moment. “In cricket, when you’re batting, you want to be in that flow state, where everything is happening almost subconsciously,” he explains. “Surfing is the same. You can’t overthink it – you just have to trust yourself and go with the flow.”
Brevis is eager to spend more time in the water, pushing his limits and embracing new challenges.
“There’s so much to learn about surfing, and I really enjoy every moment of it,” he says. “I think Tristan and I will be surfing a lot more in the future.”
From the cricket pitch to the ocean, Dewald Brevis has found his rhythm, one that fuels both his game and his spirit. And whether he’s stepping up to the crease or paddling out for a wave, one thing is certain: he’s always chasing that next big thrill.
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