THE OOM

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

The Oom is the illustrated biography of South African water sports pioneer John ‘The Oom’ Whitmore (1929-2001), written by Cape Town journalist Miles Masterson, who is also Communications Manager for Protect the West Coast (PTWC). 

John Whitmore played a pivotal role in establishing surfing, Hobie Cats, and bodyboarding in South Africa, helping to turn the country into a global force in these disciplines. The book serves as the first detailed account of the early histories of these water sports in South Africa through the prism of John’s long, adventurous and productive life, including his many adventures in his favourite place on earth – the South African West Coast, where he also discovered many surf spots, including Elands Bay. 

“Engrossing to the end.” – Steve ‘Spike’ Pike, book editor, founder of Wavescape and PTWC Senior Editor.

PTWC has 10 numbered copies of The Oom on offer, all signed with a special note in memory of John Whitmore, including a limited edition Whitmore Surfboards sticker. 

The full proceeds from each book sale will go directly to PTWC, an organisation John Whitmore would no doubt have supported!

“It is big money… they will keep doing it until they run out of water and oxygen, that is what I can see. All for the filthy lucre.” - John 'The Oom' Whitmore on coastal mining, circa 2000. 

Book Specs:

235 mm x 155 mm

332+ pages

Softcover with gatefold

32+ pages of photographs

5 maps

For more information go to www.johnwhitmorebook.com