The Oom: The Biography of South African Water Sports Pioneer John Whitmore

Written by Cape Town journalist Miles Masterson, The Oom reveals the extraordinary life of John 
Whitmore, a visionary who transformed South Africa’s relationship with ocean sport and beach culture. 
This richly illustrated biography is a must-have for anyone who loves the sea, adventure and local 
history. 
John Whitmore was the first person to ride a surfboard on the Cape’s Atlantic coast, and his passion for 
surfing sparked a movement that would echo across generations. He established the country’s first 
surfboard brand, identified world-class breaks like Elands Bay and Jeffreys Bay, and nurtured the rise of 
Springbok surfing, opening the door for South African talent on the global stage. 
For two decades, listeners tuned in to his daily surf report on Radio Good Hope, making him a trusted 
voice in the surf community. His appearance in Bruce Brown’s iconic film The Endless Summer 
introduced him to the world and cemented his status as a trailblazer. Affectionately known as ‘The 
Doyen’, Whitmore continued to innovate by bringing the Hobie Cat and Morey Boogie to South Africa, 
sparking new waves of ocean-sport enthusiasm. 
The Oom is not only the biography of a man ahead of his time, it is a celebration of the coastal lifestyle 
that so many South Africans cherish today. It will inspire long-time surfers, weekend wave chasers, 
sailing and beach culture fans, and anyone interested in the story of how a single person can change 
a country’s sporting identity.