Paul Chow Sampson
From homeless orphan to surfing sensation. This is the remarkable story of Paul Sampson. Image: Kody McGregor/World Surf League

Home » Meet ‘Chow’, SA’s new surfing pro – WATCH

Meet ‘Chow’, SA’s new surfing pro – WATCH

The Cape Town local has taken a big step towards punching his ticket to the big-time. Paul Chow beat out South Africa’s best surfers this weekend.

By Ray Leathern
18-03-24 11:42
in Sport
Paul Chow Sampson
From homeless orphan to surfing sensation. This is the remarkable story of Paul Sampson. Image: Kody McGregor/World Surf League

When it comes to Cape Town surfing, Paul ‘Chow’ Sampson is already something of a legend. An overnight sensation that’s been years in the making, if you will. You’ll spot him at usually mellow beach breaks of Muizenberg and Long Beach. On the right day, he’ll be the one surfing up a storm. Flying down the line with insane speed, catching massive airs. Generally delighting anyone watching in or out the water.

Now, the Cape Town local has taken a big step towards punching his ticket to the big-time. He beat out South Africa’s best surfers this weekend (16-17 March) with a big win at the 2024 Cape Town Surf Pro, a WSL Qualifying Series event, held at Long Beach, Kommetjie.

SOUTH AFRICA’S NEXT SURFING SENSATION

World Surf League Qualifying Series events are held in cities all around the world. Surfers who are not on the Championship Tour (the absolute best competitors that travel the world) are able to compete. Qualifying Series events is where they earn points towards qualifying for the world tour.

FROM MUIZENBERG TO THE WORLD

surfing
LONG BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 16: Paul Sampson of South Africa surfs in the Quarterfinals at the Cape Town Surf Pro. Image: Kody McGregor/World Surf League

Paul Sibanda Sampson got his nickname ‘Chow’ from the way he ‘chows’ (eats up) any wave in front of him, no matter the size. Coming from a disadvantaged background, he was often only able to surf smaller, touristy beach breaks like Muizenberg because of its close proximity to home.

SPOTTED EARLY ON

surfing
LONG BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 16: Paul Sampson of South Africa surfs in Finals at the Cape Town Surf Pro on March 17, 2024 at Long Beach, Cape Town, South Africa. Image: Kody McGregor/World Surf League

Spotting his talent early, Surfing South Africa (SSA) brought him into their development programme from the tender age of ten. In his junior days, he was also supported by SurfShack Outreach in Muizenberg. A popular surf store on the Muizenberg beach front with an outreach facility for at-risk youths to get them off the streets and into the water.

NEXT EVENT IN GQEBERHA

surfing
LONG BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 16: Paul Sampson of South Africa is crowned winner of the Cape Town Surf Pro on March 17, 2024 at Long Beach, Cape Town, South Africa. Image: Kody McGregor/World Surf League

The next locally held WSL Qualifier will be the SA Open of Surfing. Look out for it at Pollok Beach, Gqeberha, from 23-24 March 2024. Paul Sampson and the rest of South Africa’s top surfers will be battling it out to see who comes out on top for a shot at the big-time.

ALSO READ: Government cautions SA companies against employment of undocumented immigrants

Tags: featured HNelnny Important surfer videos Surfers