Unless you spent the last few years living in a cabin at some isolated beach up the coast, it’s no secret that SA surfing has taken a knock in the number of competitive events for our country’s best to pit their skills against each other. The knock-on result has seen our competitive surfers suffer, with a drop down the standings in competitions like the World Games, while other countries overtook us.
Thankfully, it looks like we’ve turned a corner and there’s an upward trend in the number of events on this year’s calendar, most notably for the juniors. This year sees a number of brands coming to the party and hosting events that will see our juniors get the experience they need to become a dominant force in world surfing once again.
RVCA hosts the first event of their fresh new Junior Series this coming Friday at the Point in J-Bay, and to get an idea of what these junior events mean to our country’s brightest prospects, we cornered all the winners of the recent Hurley SA Junior Champs to hear their thoughts:
How do you feel about there being a lot more Junior events to compete in this year?
It’s really great for SA’s juniors. There’s been a lot of talent in the past four years or so, but not enough events to develop it. I think one of the reasons the SA juniors did badly at the World Games last year was because of a huge reduction of local contests. There wasn’t enough match practice. I’m keen to do as many of these events as possible this year.
Your favourite thing about competing?
To see what level you are at compared to other surfers.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
I’ve been injured for a while, so I’ve just been focusing on freesurfing in different kinds of waves to improve myself as a surfer. I haven’t been thinking much about heats and strategy lately, but rather on growing my surfing muscle memory so that I can be comfortable to do what I want in a heat.
Tell us your secret weapon?
I think when I tend to not worry about the outcome, and have a carefree attitude, that’s when I surf the best in a heat.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with the prizemoney?
I never really buy anything with prize money. I invest it so I can travel when I accumulate enough money.
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How do you feel about there being a lot more junior events to compete in this year?
I am so stoked about all the new junior events. Improving your surfing in freesurfs or training sessions is one thing, but actually going out into a heat is a totally different ballgame that you can only prepare so much for. So, the main thing that will improve your contest surfing is surfing more contests.
What is your favourite thing about competing?
The thrill of a challenge. Every single heat is different, the variables being who you compete against, the conditions in the water – size, wind, type of wave. All of these constantly changing factors is what makes contest surfing both difficult and exciting.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
I am working really hard on nailing a solid Occy-style bottom turn, as well as variation and being more radical. The judges are looking for explosive and exciting surfing, so I am having lots of fun – and wipeouts – to get my surfing to a whole new degree of radical.
Tell us your secret weapon?
My faith in God gives me the peace and confidence I need in a heat. The mental side in surfing is just as, if not more important than the actual surfing. I am good at keeping my cool and adapting to changing conditions.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with your prizemoney?
Right now I need to raise a lot of money to go to World Games in June, so the prizemoney would go straight to my savings!
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How do you feel about there being a lot more junior events to compete in this year?
It is really awesome that there are more junior events this year. Competing in surf comps pushes my level of surfing. It gives you more experience and enables you to see the level of surfing of the other juniors in the country.
Your favourite thing about competing?
I enjoy competing because I am constantly being pushed to a new level by my competitors.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
I am working on combining power surfing with aerial surfing.
Tell us your secret weapon?
God, because he is the one who has given me my talent, and he often provides nice set waves for me when I ask.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with your prizemoney?
I’ll probably save the money towards a surf trip.
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How do you feel about there being a lot more junior events to compete in this year?
More events means I get the opportunity to put myself out there and try and better my performances, especially in heats. Sometimes I’ll be put in situations where I have girls older and better than me, but I believe that everything happens for a great reason and this will benefit the future.
Your favourite thing about competing?
The amazing atmosphere set off by the competitors and coaches. It also gives you a good mind for quick thinking.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
Mainly flow, power and speed. It will help me to make my turns more powerful, and this will give judges an eye opening ride .
Tell us your secret weapon?
My strengths in the water would definitely be positive thinking with the word of God. Theres nothing you can’t do with a positive attitude.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with your prizemoney?
I have everything I need, but new boards would be sick! Another thing would be to put it away for when I want to travel.
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How do you feel about there being a lot more junior events to compete in this year?
It’s great to have more events this year – it will push the level of SA surfing to a higher level, and will push me to surf better and
better in each event.
Your favourite thing about competing?
My favorite thing about competing is being able to push my surfing to the next level and showing people what I`m made of. Plus it’s fun.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
I’m busy working on variation and combination, and am also trying to nail down the airs in contests. My trademark move is a kick tail…
Tell us your secret weapon?
That’s a difficult one. I suppose just surfing my best and having fun. Off the bottom – off the top surfing, and also variation.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with your prizemoney?
I will save it up towards going overseas to compete internationally. All my winnings go straight back into my surfing.
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How do you feel about there being a lot more junior events to compete in this year?
It’s so sick to have a lot more big comps this year. I get to go to such cool places! I learn from each one because afterwards it gets me determined to do better and I know what I have to work on.
Your favourite thing about competing?
My favourite thing about competing is to get a good result and to win cool prizes. I also like to go to contests that have a good setup and a cool vibe.
What are you working on to make yourself the ultimate competitor?
I am working on catching the best waves and to do good(sic) on those waves
Tell us your secret weapon?
My secret weapon is to not stress and psych myself out before I go in. When I am relaxed I do my best.
If you win the RVCA event this weekend, what’s the first thing you will buy with your prizemoney?
Go to a really good surfing spot with my family and friends!
Ha ha… no chance,you gotta see the juniors in brazil,oz and euro,the saffas gonna b left in the dust nxt 10 yrs
Have you watched these kids surf, Trooper? Some are easily a match for other kids their age around the world. Where was Bianca Buitendag just a few years ago? Yes, competing in these very same events… There’s some talent in SA waters that extends far beyond your local beach, or what you see on the net.
come on !..one or two make it… if that…. and we’re content?
After all these years we’ve only had Jordy,Trav,Groot Voet,Canning…???.
You go travel boet…i’ve seen more hotties ,without comp vests on,just surfing D-bah when its onshore,
I bet you’ve never been to Brazil?Medina is old and a has-been there allready ..LOL
I suppose one or two is better than nothing,unless they get beaten by I-ties,Swedes and Dutchmen..coming up thru the ranks soon…LOL