THE future of South African surfing is in safe hands thanks to a competition aimed at unearthing the stars of tomorrow.
During the Easter weekend more than 100 youngsters from the icy Cape west coast to warmer Zululand waters braved rough seas, chilly water and pouring rain in Port Elizabeth to try and scoop top spot at the South African Grommet Games.
Started 21 years ago with the aim of unearthing future surf stars from town and township, the provincial team competition has more than stood the test of time – and achieved its mandate.
Since then, the Grom Games has produced stars such as East London world tour surfers Royden Bryson and Roseanne Hodge, former national team surfer Lungani Memani from Port Alfred, Durban’s Jordy Smith and latest world tour sensation Bianca Buitendag – to name just a few .
Although the weather made conditions tricky, it did not dampen their enthusiasm to reach for the stars.
The youngest surfers in the event – six- year-old Nate Colby from Durban, local seven-year old groms Kai Fraser, André Roos and Cape Town ripper Kyra Bennie – put on an impressive show.
Colby’s father Kevin, who owns a surfshop and boardmaking business, said the youngster had been hooked on the sport since he started 14 months ago.
“The Grom Games are the perfect launch pad for any young surfer; it is good to come and see what other kids from the rest of the country are doing.”
According to Josh Enslin from Billabong – who co-sponsored the event with the Department of Sport and Recreation – the Grom Games were a key focus for the popular surf brand.
He said despite many other surf brands holding back on sponsoring events because of the global economic recession, they were focusing instead on identifying and nurturing talent from grassroots level all the way to world champion.
“Junior surfing in South Africa has never looked so good.”
Former Grom Games surfer Peter Coffey, 15, said the event had boosted his confidence and surfing levels.
“Everyone who surfs this event comes away a better surfer.”
Veteran contest director Chris Dunt, 60, said the event was the perfect breeding ground for future stars.
Eastern Province placed fourth and Border fifth in the eight province event – which was won by Western Province. —
Top talent at EC surf competition
During the Easter weekend more than 100 youngsters from the icy Cape west coast to warmer Zululand waters braved rough seas, chilly water and pouring rain in Port Elizabeth to try and scoop top spot at the South African Grommet Games.
Started 21 years ago with the aim of unearthing future surf stars from town and township, the provincial team competition has more than stood the test of time – and achieved its mandate.
Since then, the Grom Games has produced stars such as East London world tour surfers Royden Bryson and Roseanne Hodge, former national team surfer Lungani Memani from Port Alfred, Durban’s Jordy Smith and latest world tour sensation Bianca Buitendag – to name just a few .
Although the weather made conditions tricky, it did not dampen their enthusiasm to reach for the stars.
The youngest surfers in the event – six- year-old Nate Colby from Durban, local seven-year old groms Kai Fraser, André Roos and Cape Town ripper Kyra Bennie – put on an impressive show.
Colby’s father Kevin, who owns a surfshop and boardmaking business, said the youngster had been hooked on the sport since he started 14 months ago.
“The Grom Games are the perfect launch pad for any young surfer; it is good to come and see what other kids from the rest of the country are doing.”
According to Josh Enslin from Billabong – who co-sponsored the event with the Department of Sport and Recreation – the Grom Games were a key focus for the popular surf brand.
He said despite many other surf brands holding back on sponsoring events because of the global economic recession, they were focusing instead on identifying and nurturing talent from grassroots level all the way to world champion.
“Junior surfing in South Africa has never looked so good.”
Former Grom Games surfer Peter Coffey, 15, said the event had boosted his confidence and surfing levels.
“Everyone who surfs this event comes away a better surfer.”
Veteran contest director Chris Dunt, 60, said the event was the perfect breeding ground for future stars.
Eastern Province placed fourth and Border fifth in the eight province event – which was won by Western Province. —
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