PANCHO VILLA AND THE PERLEMOEN TRAIL

Poaching and surfing often rub up against one another far closer than surfers would like to admit. On the southern coastline of South Africa, the two activities frequently share the same spaces, circling around one another, knowingly or not, as we each engage and pursue our respective goals and desires. Kommetjie, Dungeons, Sunset, Cape Point, Kalk Bay, Sea Point and beyond to Hermanus, Hawston, Arniston, Elands, Lamberts and Mossel Bay and many others, all known for their waves, and also the expensive snails that hug their reefs.

The species of abalone, or perlemoen, that occur in South African waters, is prized in Asia for both its size and taste. It’s not the gold standard but it’s regarded as high-quality and good value.

A delicacy, consumed socially as a kind of status symbol, much like Champagne or