Waves, curry puffs and community – preparing to bid farewell to Singapore’s only surf break

Given the inconstant nature of Longkang Point’s waves, timing is everything, said Mr Mohamad Nazir Salleh, president of Surfing Association Singapore. 

The 55-year-old is among the few  “OG” or “original” surfers who first discovered Longkang Point as a surf spot, a discovery he describes as accidental. 

In the late 1990s, Mr Nazir – known locally as Ajill – and a few surfer buddies were working as lifeguards at the National Service Resort and Country Club. During break times, they often ventured out for walks along the Changi coast. 

On one such walk, they noticed a stretch of beach just a few hundred metres from the resort where waves were breaking on an otherwise flat coastline – waves that looked “surfable”, recalled Mr Nazir.  

Excitedly, the group first tried body-surfing – riding the waves with their bodies – before they began bringing their surfboards.

At the beginning, said Mr Nazir, it was just this close-knit group and some of their families visiting the spot. 

Over the years, as more people caught wind of the place, their numbers grew, even including non-surfers who didn’t venture into the water but wanted to enjoy the action.

“This is the perfect surf spot for families and friends and kids. Even the older folk can enjoy it there.”