The 2016 Triggerfish Animation South African Adaptive Surfing Champs went down earlier this year at Muizenberg in historic fashion. The fourteen brave souls who conquered their fears and entered the event were tremendously inspirational. They showed us that with bravery and determination, surfing can be adapted to any kind of lifestyle – or body. The SA Adaptive Team for 2016 was selected at the contest and they are amped to represent at the Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships to be help on La Jolla Shores from the 8th – 11th December 2016. But they need help getting there.
Last year’s SA Adaptive Surfing Team at the 2015 World Games. © Image supplied
Last year South Africa sent over a small team to compete in the first ever World Adaptive Surf Champs held in La Jolla, California only to return with a silver medal in the Stand UP 1 Division. This year Team SA are hoping to send over seven competitors, a manager and a coach.
“Watching the South African Adaptive Surfing Team in action is an inspiring experience,” said Shaun Tomson. “These athletes have overcome daunting physical challenges through the power of personal will and Jordy Smith and I are honoured to be supporting them in their quest to get to the USA and compete in the ISA World Championships.”
SA’s Bruce Campbell in action at last year’s ISA World Adaptive Games. © Image supplied
With less than a month to go until the start of the 2016 World Adaptive Champs, time is of the essence. Put your money to good use and support these inspiring athletes HERE.
Each surfer has a story to tell. Meet the South African team:
- Erynn Geddie – Blind/Visually Impaired (Assisted) Division – Born with Retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina) resulting in right eye removal (at aged 2) , and very little vision in his left eye. Day job: Scholar
- Dries Millard – Prone AS- 4 Division – Car accident in 2008 resulting in T8 paralysis from the chest down. Day Job: Founder of Extreme Abilities and motivational speaker
- Caleb Swanapoel – Stand Up 2 Division – Shark attack last year, resulting in above the knee amputation of his right leg. Day Job : Student
- Ashtan Davids – Prone AS-5 Divison – Born with Cerebral Palsy resulting in limited use of his limbs and body. Day Job : Scholar
- Lesley Lee – Stand up 2 Division – Above the knee amputation of her right leg following cancer of her knee at the age of 16. Day Job : Doctor of Philosophy: Change Management. Head of Department Learning Academy at VWSA.
- JP Veaudry – Stand up 1 Division – Hit and run motor cycle accident at age 33 resulting in below the knee amputation. Day job : Photographer
- Antony Smyth – Stand Up 1 Division – Car accident – at age 5 – injury resulting in brachial plexus paralysis in his right arm) Day Job : Photographer
- Tasha Mentasti – Coach – One of the founding members of Adaptive Surfing South Africa, Tasha brings to the sport – and to the team, her vast surfing experience, not only as a multi South African Champ, but also as a valuable, experienced and insightful coach. Day Job: Surf Coach/Instructor
- Bev Smyth – Team Manager – Committed to the success of the team and South African Adaptive and World Adaptive Surfing. Day Job: Graphic Designer
Feeling the stoke at the 2016 Triggerfish SA Adaptive Surfing Champs. © Image supplied.
For more information on adaptive surfing in South Africa click HERE.
