Surfing has health benefits, please lift ban

AN OPEN letter to the Premier of KZN, Sihle Zikalala. Dear sir, I write this letter on behalf of all surfers in Durban, and KZN in general.

Our exercise of choice is to surf, and under level 3, this has been prohibited for no reason whatsoever, whether medically or scientifically.

It is a known scientific and medical fact that the sea air comprises negative hydrogen ions, also known as surf-generated aerosols. These negatively charged particles improve the body’s ability to absorb oxygen by neutralising positively charged free radicals.

It is also a medical fact that the sea air and sea water acts as a mucus decongester and actually improves respiratory function.

Together with sunshine for vitamin D production, the sea air and sea water positively contributes to the health and wellbeing of a person, especially in these pandemic times.

If we can have 100 people in Pick n Pay or 50 people at church or hundreds and thousands of people in UIF and grant queues, then please explain to the public from a medical or scientific perspective, why a handful of people cannot exercise in the sea?

I am not speaking about a leisurely “day on the beach” with the kids but surfers and bodyboarders that actually surf properly out at the backline.

If surfing actually enhances, promotes and improves a person’s health, especially in these times, you should have no problem in releasing the prohibition of surfing with immediate effect.

I look forward to our positive response in this newspaper .