Extraordinary fathers deserve an extraordinary Father’s Day

Wannabe daddy Dylan de Castro explains why he wants to go big this Father’s Day.

I'm what you'd call an up and coming professional, a typical twenty something on a mission to prove my metal. I live, eat and breathe my work; everything in between is about having fun – rock climbing, surfing, rounding up the boys to watch rugga and partying up a storm on the dance floor. You name it, I’m in! But I'd give it all up to be a dad. Yes, that’s right – a DAD!

The truth is, if you'd asked me a couple of years ago what I wanted to do with my life, I would have told you that I planned to make a name for myself, earn big bucks and jet-set around the globe. However, as I approach my thirties I find myself longing for something of a little more substance, something greater than my inflated ego and the material wealth it so desperately craves. I’m beginning to want more than momentary bliss and the fleeting pleasures of living life in the fast lane. I want to, well, start settling down.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “He’s lost his fire! He’s throwing in the towel! Another one bites the dust!” But rest assured folks, that’s not the case. I still have every intention of making a success of my life and enjoying it to the full. The only difference now is that I’m considering doing it all with a family at my side (minus the excessive partying and travelling, that is). And for this I thank my dad.

My father has always been my source of strength and inspiration. He served his time in the army and the navy, spent thirty years risking his life as a fireman, and established and sold his own business – all while looking after me and my family. When I was a boy he taught me to throw a ball, swim on my own and ride a bicycle without training wheels. He healed my wounds with a simple hug and an “It’s okay, you’re a big boy”. The boogeyman didn’t stand a chance in our home and bullies were no match for the moves I learned from my dad. Indeed, he was my role-model, my hero. Even now, as I recount the numerous occasions he rescued me from disaster and bailed me out of dire circumstances, I consider him to be the strongest, bravest and wisest man I know.

These are the things I want for my kids. I want to be a hero that they can look up to, I want to be their pillar of strength and, like my pops, I want to teach my children to dream big. Honestly, I can’t think of anything more purposeful and rewarding.

That said, the time isn’t quite right. I still have a few more things to do before I become a daddy. For starters, I must figure out how to pop the big question to my girlfriend, find a bigger apartment (perhaps even a house) and start saving for a car with enough space to accommodate a baby seat or two, a furry pooch and a couple of surfboards. Indeed, I have a lot of planning to do.

For now, though, I’m going to use Father’s Day, the one day of the year that awards me exclusive rights to steal my dad away from his busy schedule, to show him just how grateful I am for setting an example I may follow, for teaching me to be a man and for sharing his invaluable wisdom and infinite zest for life with me. And I’m not going to play around either. No. I’m going big this year. My dad is extraordinary, so extraordinary is what he’s going to get.  

And while I’m at it, I’m also going to honour all of the other extraordinary fathers in my life: my granddad, my father-in law to be and, of course, my best mate who just became a dadda. Hmm…I’d better pack my credit card.

1 - Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and Abseil Africa

Nothing seals the father-child bond better than a day spent in the hills. Catch the cable car up, or for the full Table Mountain experience, dust off your boots and hike to the summit via Platteklip Gorge. Once you’re at the top, enjoy a beer and gourmet burger at the legendary Table Mountain Café, wait twenty to thirty minutes, then abseil down 1000 metres of vertical rock and fresh air! 
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: adults: R90 one-way or R170 return / kids: R40 and R80. Abseil Africa: R595 per person, including equipment. Call +27(0)21424 4760.

2 - Motor Classic Rentals

Whether it’s vintage, sports, convertible, roadster or luxury; turn dad’s teenage dream into a reality and hand him the keys to his favourite classic. Better yet, have a chauffeur drive while the two of you enjoy a bottle of bubbly and reminisce about the good ol’ days.
1 Waterloo Street | Vredehoek | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 461 7368  

3 – Huey Helicopter Flights

Don your aviators, hold onto your seat and watch dad’s jaw drop as the pilot executes a series of you low-level combat manoeuvres with the soundtrack to Platoon blasting through the speakers. Prices start at R2000 per person.
Shop 6, Quay 5 | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (84) 419 3123

4 – Waterfront Boats Power Sail

Experience the freedom of the ocean on the Esperance, a 64 foot Marconi Rigged Schooner, as it powers through the swell with the mighty Cape winds in its sails. Then hop aboard a jet boat for a high speed cruise to Clifton. Price: R405 per person.
Shop 5, Quay 5 | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 418 5806

5 - Top of the Ritz Restaurant

Dine in style 22 stories up while the restaurant revolves (yes, revolves!) one full circle every 90 minutes. Feast on fresh crayfish and succulent king prawns as your view changes from the spectacular blue oceans of the Atlantic to the magnificent Lion’s Head and beyond.
Corner of Main & Camberwell Roads | Sea point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 439 6010

By Dylan de Castro

We've done the hard work for you and compiled a selection of Father's Day gifts.

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