Border junior surfing is reaching for the stars thanks to a coaching programme set-up by East London's most famous professional surfer.
Although many of the youngsters are related to South Africa’s best older surfers and learned to ride the waves from a young age, they have dramatically lifted their game since top professional Greg Emslie took them under his wing a couple of months ago.
Leading the charge is recently crowned South African junior champion Michael Monk, with youngsters such as Luke Malherbe and pint-sized 10-year-old Daniel Emslie lead the grom charge.
Not surprisingly, all three junior Border stars are following in the footsteps of famous family who are decades-old stalwarts of the provincial team and multiple South African champions.
Monk – or Sprinkles to his mates because of his freckled face – is the son of Michael “Monkey” Monk, while Malherbe is the son of André Malherbe and tiny Justin the nephew of Greg “Bigfoot” Emslie - who recently won a world masters title for older surfers.
Emslie, who has stayed on top of his game for years thanks to his commitment to training hard, said the youngsters were showing similar dedication.
“I have been coaching them for a few months now; they are improving day by day – the biggest thing for me is the commitment. They always show up and enjoy training.”
According to Emslie, Border surfing was “in an exciting place right now” after – by his own admission – reaching rock bottom a few years back.
“We are starting to climb again and all the grommets are jumping on for the ride.
“I think the big thing is the kids are just so amped to go surfing, they are the ones pushing their parents.
“They just want to surf and get better every day, and when they see one of their own like Mike winning the SA Junior Champs, it lifts them all and they surf even harder as it becomes real for them.”
Adding to his recent national title win, Monk junior shone bright this past weekend when he won two divisions at the Sunset Night Surfing Competition – even beating his father in the open division.
Although Monk senior is still fiercely competitive, he is proud of Michael’s recent achievements.
“The day had to come that he would beat me, and this year has been an amazing year for him. He has beaten some big names in the last few months!”
He praised Emslie – who was recently appointed Border junior coach – for pushing Michael and the other groms to higher levels.
Not to be outdone, Emslie junior won the U10 night surfing title and placed second in the under-U12s.
“Dan is showing huge potential but all his cousins and brothers are surfing and also show potential; they will push each other,” Greg explained.
The multi-talented Hudson Park Primary School pupil, who has been surfing for five years, is also a Border swimmer and tennis player
“My family was always on the beach so it was just a natural thing to do,” he said.
His father Justin, who is Greg’s older brother and has surfed since childhood said the coaching was paying dividends.
“It’s awesome having Greg to coach. You don’t have to act like a know it all dad. Greg is very passionate with his coaching and the kids are improving in front of your eyes.”
Successful coaching bears fruit
Although many of the youngsters are related to South Africa’s best older surfers and learned to ride the waves from a young age, they have dramatically lifted their game since top professional Greg Emslie took them under his wing a couple of months ago.
Leading the charge is recently crowned South African junior champion Michael Monk, with youngsters such as Luke Malherbe and pint-sized 10-year-old Daniel Emslie lead the grom charge.
Not surprisingly, all three junior Border stars are following in the footsteps of famous family who are decades-old stalwarts of the provincial team and multiple South African champions.
Monk – or Sprinkles to his mates because of his freckled face – is the son of Michael “Monkey” Monk, while Malherbe is the son of André Malherbe and tiny Justin the nephew of Greg “Bigfoot” Emslie - who recently won a world masters title for older surfers.
Emslie, who has stayed on top of his game for years thanks to his commitment to training hard, said the youngsters were showing similar dedication.
“I have been coaching them for a few months now; they are improving day by day – the biggest thing for me is the commitment. They always show up and enjoy training.”
According to Emslie, Border surfing was “in an exciting place right now” after – by his own admission – reaching rock bottom a few years back.
“We are starting to climb again and all the grommets are jumping on for the ride.
“I think the big thing is the kids are just so amped to go surfing, they are the ones pushing their parents.
“They just want to surf and get better every day, and when they see one of their own like Mike winning the SA Junior Champs, it lifts them all and they surf even harder as it becomes real for them.”
Adding to his recent national title win, Monk junior shone bright this past weekend when he won two divisions at the Sunset Night Surfing Competition – even beating his father in the open division.
Although Monk senior is still fiercely competitive, he is proud of Michael’s recent achievements.
“The day had to come that he would beat me, and this year has been an amazing year for him. He has beaten some big names in the last few months!”
He praised Emslie – who was recently appointed Border junior coach – for pushing Michael and the other groms to higher levels.
Not to be outdone, Emslie junior won the U10 night surfing title and placed second in the under-U12s.
“Dan is showing huge potential but all his cousins and brothers are surfing and also show potential; they will push each other,” Greg explained.
The multi-talented Hudson Park Primary School pupil, who has been surfing for five years, is also a Border swimmer and tennis player
“My family was always on the beach so it was just a natural thing to do,” he said.
His father Justin, who is Greg’s older brother and has surfed since childhood said the coaching was paying dividends.
“It’s awesome having Greg to coach. You don’t have to act like a know it all dad. Greg is very passionate with his coaching and the kids are improving in front of your eyes.”
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