The future shredders of our country have something to get excited about after the announcement that Billabong will once again be hosting their long-running Junior Series. With over R750 000 in sponsorships and prizes being handed out over the four event series, there’s a lot more at stake than simply being able to boast to their fellow competitors that they got whipped – so expect some hardcore shredding from the lighties taking part.
Cape local Jake Elkington has been putting in some barrel practice, just in case New Pier gets hit by a solid east swell for the series start.
The first event kicks off at New Pier on 2/3 March, followed by Nahoon Beach on 6/7 April, then Long Beach on 24/25 August, before finishing at Seal Point on 21/22 September.
If you haven’t been to a junior event in this country in the past few years, head on down and get blown away by how hard some of the groms are starting to shred. They almost froth as hard as their proud parents.
Press Release – 6 February 2013:
Billabong Junior Surfing Series 2013 Presented By Bos Set To Kick Off At The New Pier in Durban
The longest running Junior Surfing Series in the country, the Billabong Junior Series, is set to return with some exciting format changes and massive prizes in the mix. The series carries on the proud tradition set by Billabong that has already seen 43 events take place and almost R1Million awarded in prize money over the last 16 years.
This year the series is presented by Bos Iced Tea, and they are excited to be involved in this, the premier Junior Surfing Series in the country. “Bos has been sponsoring Billabong big wave surfer, Twiggy Baker, for the last 2 years. We share his passion for surfing, adventure and exploration – continually pushing boundaries in the search for fresh experiences,” says Marié van Niekerk, Bos Marketing Director. “We are delighted for the opportunity to support and get involved in surfing at a grassroots level. Events like the Billabong Junior Series is where the future surf pro’s are shaping their careers and it’s very exciting to be part of this journey.”
The 2013 series will comprise Boys U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions, as well as Girls U14 and U18 divisions. There is also an elite U20 invite-only division, with surfers selected via online voting. Six of South Africa’s top U20 surfers will be invited to compete in each event. They will be joined by the winner of the U16 and U18 divisions for boys, and the winner and runner-up in the U18 division for girls, to make up the 8 surfers in this category. The series will be awarding R750,000 in money, prizes and giveaways. The prize money distribution is unique, and the allocation is thus:
– One Prize per division – winner takes all.
– U20 Girls and Boys R10k each
– U18 Girls and Boys R5k each
– U16 Boys R5k
– U14 Boys and Girls R2,5k each
– U12 Boys R2,5k
– Specialty Prizes
On top of this, Billabong will be awarding two Specialty Prizes for the Best Aerial and for the Most Progressive Wave per event, with both prizes worth R10k each. The Billabong Junior Series is a stepping stone between junior surfing and professional surfing, and Billabong recognises that progressive surfing and aerial moves are imperative for a successful professional career.
– Billabong Sponsorships
In another innovative concept, Billabong will also be offering six one-year sponsorship contracts to the series winners in each division. Should the series winner turn down the sponsorship offer, the prize will be offered to the next deserving surfer. The sponsorships include, coaching, photo incentives, contest entry fees, contest incentives and product across the Billabong brands, coming in at a value of R75k per sponsorship. Billabong brands involved in the sponsorships include Billabong, DaKine, VonZipper, Kustom and Kinetic Racing Fins.
Nixon will also be on board as a product sponsor for the series.
– Bos Surfer Of The Series Award
This award will go to the surfer who has performed the most consistently across the whole series. It will be open for entries from all divisions and the winner will walk away with a 20K overall prize consisting of R10K cash, a custom made Bos surf board, special Bos merchandise and a year’s supply of Bos Ice Tea.
– All Aboard Travel Sportsmanship Award
All Aboard Travel will present a Sportsmanship Award to one surfer displaying the best sportsmanship throughout the series, at the series prizegiving. This prize will comprise a return ticket and four nights accommodation in Bali, Indonesia, valued at R17k.
The series will enjoy extensive media coverage across many platforms, including print media, web, social media and television.
The online entry form will be available on the Surfing South Africa website www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za from Thursday January 3th. Surfers must be members of the SSA Pro Surf Tour to compete in this event. The online PST affiliation form is available on the Surfing South Africa website.
The Billabong Junior Series is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa event. PST Points will be allocated to each division as per Surfing South Africa guidelines. There will be no PST points allocated in the U20 division as it is by invite only. Surfing South Africa is recognised by the South African Sports Confederation (SASCOC) as the governing body of the sport in South Africa.
Contest Dates:
Event 1 – New Pier, Durban, 2/3 March
Event 2 – Nahoon Beach, East London, 6/7 April
Event 3 – Long Beach, Cape Town, 24/25 August
Event 4 – Seal Point, Eastern Cape, 21/22 September.
