Founder of The Chow Brand and African Surf Alliance

Paul Sampson is a South African surfer, entrepreneur, and community organiser from Muizenberg, Cape Town. His path has been shaped by discipline, creativity, and a strong commitment to creating long-term opportunities for others, especially those coming from circumstances like his own.

Raised in an environment where resources were limited, Paul faced adversity early in life. But instead of letting those challenges define him, he used them to build focus and direction. That mindset carried him into professional surfing, where he steadily rose through the ranks. He won the Cape Town Pro in 2024, placed first and second respectively in  international events in Sri Lanka and Senegal, and has represented Africa on the WSL Challenger Series. 

While making his mark in the surf world, and currently ranked as #1 in The Africa Surf Alliance, Paul also started The Chow Brand. What began as a small creative project, with a few handmade caps and an independent film, quickly became something more. The brand reflected the spirit of where he came from: resilience, street-level pride, and self-belief. That same energy led to the launch of The Chow Shoe, designed not just as a product, but as a statement. It gave identity to those pushing forward in sport and in life, with few resources but plenty of heart.

Out of this same drive to build, Paul co-founded the African Surf Alliance (ASA). Through ASA, he and his team focus on youth development that extends far beyond surfing. The programme offers mental wellness support, helping young people build confidence, discipline, and practical life skills. At its heart, ASA creates space for individuals to grow into themselves, offering structure and support to those who need it most.

As Paul continues to compete and build ASA, he is actively looking for sponsors who can help him and his team travel to and from contests, both locally and internationally. Funding remains one of the biggest barriers for young surfers in under-resourced communities. Donations and sponsorships not only make competition access possible but also help create opportunities for those who otherwise lack the financial means to participate, grow, and succeed.

Paul’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur is not just about reinvention, but about purpose. His work through The Chow Brand and ASA is focused on building a stronger future for the next generation, rooted in community, talent, and shared opportunity.