COIMBATORE: When you think of Jonty Rhodes, one thing comes to mind. The Superman run out of Inzamam- ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup. What he did that day was mostly about technique and presence of mind. To pull off such a feat, one must also be in the best physical shape possible. Now 48, the South African still looks fit. His skin has aged, but the heart is young. At the Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival, Jonty looks relaxed.
Trying a variety of leisure activities and staying away from cricket has been helping him enjoy retirement. But surfing started because of countryman and conditioning coach Paddy Upton. “Paddy is a serious surfer and I’m just doing it for fun. Paddy has been to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many other places. He was the one who got me in touch with Surfing Federation of India about four or five years back. I still don’t compete, because I’m such a mess,” he said. The high you get from the ocean waters is refreshing. Jonty also tries to connect with the sport mentally and even compares it with cricket. “There are similarities. When you’re batting, every ball is different.
It’s the same in surfing. No two waves are the same. For me, it’s all about lifestyle and staying healthy. I’ve tried hockey and cycling and everything I can. If I play cricket now, I’ll probably be lying down with a physio massaging me! I’m not saying surfing is easy. But the ocean kind of refreshes you.” From the Himalayas to Bay of Bengal, Jonty has been to a few places in India. In Mumbai, he used to ride a Royal Enfield classic and drive down once in a while. He has even tried bungee jumping. But nothing beats surfing, according to him.
He often runs into current players like Dale Steyn back in Cape Town. “I’m very scared of heights, but still tried bungee jumping. I’ve been to Bloukrans Bridge — the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy site — thrice. I was scared of the ocean too. But I’ve managed to get rid of that. “India is spectacular. I came here first in 1993 and I’ve seen the good and bad. When in Bombay, I try to take a bike and go out. I’ve also been picked up by Jaipur Riders — a Royal Enfield club — and have been taken out. The best part about an Enfield is that you can go ride on any road. I’m not a biker. But I love riding in India. In South Africa, it’s very fast.
In India, the roads are congested and it’s fun. In Chennai, it’s ECR.” When playing professionally, there is little time for fun. One needs to take care of one’s body. After matches, time is mostly spent with physios and team members to discuss tactics. While opportunities were limited during playing days, Jonty remembers one such outing more than anything. “I think in 1996, when we went to Pakistan, we went to the border. There were soldiers with AK-47s and it was pretty scary. I have traveled more as a coach than player,” he concluded.
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com