Two Brothers Hunting For The Perfect Wave

Tucked along the pristine shores of Barbados, Freights Bay Surf School is more than a surf academy—it’s a launchpad for unforgettable experiences. Run by Wayne Lewis, a seasoned surfer with an infectious passion for the waves, the school has earned a 100% 5-star reputation on TripAdvisor by consistently turning beginners into confident surfers. But what is truly unique about the school are Wayne’s sons, Ras Tafari and Ras Menelik, two young prodigies making waves on their boards and in the hearts of visitors. With their signature 360s, effortless floaters, smooth style and iconic locks, the brothers embody the spirit of surfing, captivating all who meet them.

The boys grew up playing other sports like cricket, skateboarding, and football with their friends. At a young age, they were not exposed to surfing. Wayne, a long-time surfer, had taken a break from the sport. Everything changed six years ago when a long-time friend visiting the island asked him to go out for a session. The boys sat on the beach watching their father and quickly fell in love with the sport. Tafari was thrilled to try riding a wave that day and was instantly hooked. Menelik, aka King, followed soon after.

Their first adventures in the ocean were bodyboarding, but Wayne could see his sons keenly eyeing other boys their age who were surfing. He asked them if they wanted surfboards and they quickly said yes. He reached out to a friend who had some extra boards to get them started. They’ve never looked back.

Now, the boys try to get in the water almost six days a week, which is not easy between school and not having a vehicle. The brothers recognize that this type of dedication and hard work is necessary for them to improve and become professional surfers—their ultimate goal. Their potential in the water is undeniable, and they have quickly started to amass a collection of trophies and medals from competitions in Barbados and beyond.

In 2021, King won the under-11 division in the Gnarly Charles Surf Series in Jacksonville, Florida. At the 61st Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships held in Virginia Beach in September 2023, King was first in the U11 Division, and Tafari was fifth in the 12-14 Division. King repeated the feat in 2024, yielding four wins out of the five competitions he has entered in the U.S. At home in Barbados, both boys have consistently either won or placed in every event they’ve competed in.

Surfing, like any other sport pursued at a high level, requires immense funding which continues to be a challenge for Wayne and the boys. “For them to continue to improve, they need to get international experience, but airfare, hotels, meals, and entry fees can sometimes total close to $10,000 for one tournament,” says Wayne. Without a vehicle on island, the boys are often limited to practicing surf breaks on the South Coast and frequently making the long walk to and from South Point after school to surf. At the moment, they have been subsidizing their training, equipment needs, and travel by modeling. Through an agency, they have landed photoshoots and campaigns for companies across the island. They have also been giving lessons at the surf school. “Who wouldn’t want to be taught to surf on a tropical vacation by some ultra-talented island kids?” quips Wayne. Even with the challenges, King says, “It’s hard sometimes, and we have to make sacrifices, but we love surfing and can’t think of life without it.” They have now secured Crowd Control Surfboards as a sponsor, which has been a big help.

Currently, the boys are focused on practicing as many hours a week as possible to prepare for the 2025 season. They will compete in a local Barbados Surfing Association in January and then the NSSA East Coast Open in Florida come April. “Besides getting to compete and travel to new places, we love meeting new friends,” says Tafari with a grin.

The brothers exude the talent, passion, and determination needed to propel them to the highest levels in surfing. “It makes me feel really proud watching the boys compete and win competitions as a reward for all their hard work,” says Wayne, beaming as he watches the boys in the water. The boys are confident they will achieve their dream of becoming professional surfers, and in the meantime, they continue to hunt for that perfect wave.