Please join us for a book signing with Miles Masterson, author of The OOM: The Biography of John Whitmore, and a screening of Birth of The Endless Summer: The Discovery of Cape St. Francis (Emmy-nominated 2025 documentary film by director Richard Yelland). This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Richard Yelland, with Miles Masterson and Dick Metz.

The Oom – The Biography of South African Waters Sports Pioneer John Whitmore is the illustrated life story of a man who made a massive impact on several ocean-based water sports in South Africa from the 1950s to the 1980s.

 The first to ride a surfboard on the Cape Atlantic coast, John Whitmore was a true innovator. He created the country’s first surfboard brand, discovered many iconic local surf breaks – including Elands Bay and Jeffreys Bay – and founded Springbok Surfing, influencing generations of surfers to follow.

 John became widely known for his daily surf report on Radio Good Hope from 1965 to 1985. His starring role in Bruce Brown’s The Endless Summer (1966) spread his fame internationally. Also known as “The Doyen,” John introduced the Hobie Cat and the Morey Boogie to South Africa in subsequent decades, transforming the country’s relationship with the ocean. 

 Written by Cape Town journalist Miles Masterson, The Oom offers a fascinating chronicle of the man who helped establish South African beach culture and inspired countless others to follow suit.

 Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) founder Dick Metz met Whitmore on one of his early trips to South Africa. Metz was one of the first California surfers to travel there, and his journey provided the inspiration for Bruce Brown’s iconic film, The Endless Summer.

 Birth of The Endless Summer follows Dick Metz as he vagabonds the globe from 1958-1961, revealing the untold story behind one of the most watched and beloved documentaries of all time, The Endless Summer.

 This is a free event but you must reserve your tickets to ensure entrance. Copies of The OOM: The Biography of John Whitmore will be available for purchase.