Future Heroes On Track

Junior surfers invited to surf were keen to vindicate their inclusion, and pushed performance levels in 2-3' surf. The inaugural event fulfilled the goal of initiating the High Performance Surfing Academy and the ideals set within. “The first of the three events has started the ball rolling, and we’re very happy,” said HPSA’s Jason Ribbink. “The kids all gave of their best and were stoked. We’re looking forward to the next gathering, set for the 27th February,” he added.

The competitive side of the Future Heroes Coaching Series competition was just one elements, alongside health, coaching, fitness and equipment knowledge shared by veterans Bruce Jackson, Simon Nicholson, Jason Ribbink, Heather Clark, Chris Knutsen, Paul Canning, Spider Murphy, Johno Hutchison, Clint Grobbelaar, Barry Campbell and Peter Lawson. The coaching methods were structured and constructive, with Legends coaches offering their hard-earned insights and experience to the stoked surfers.

The surfers were exposed to video analysis, as well as wave-for-wave score explanations, wave selection advice and physical and mental conditioning training. Clint Grobbelaar, world renowned physiotherapist from CORE Sport and Wellness Medical Centre, worked with the surfers on pertinent stretching, loosening and warming up methods, as well as training techniques relevant to performance surfing.

"The first event of the Future Legends Coaching Series was very special to me," said U16 Girls winner Anna Jellema-Butler from Cape Town. "While the contest was fun and well organised, the part that made it unique to other contests was the other activities we did in between heats with surfing legends like Heather Clark. From freesurfing training and video analysis, to correct technique on the skateboards, to heat strategy, I was really grateful for their presence and help throughout the day."

0After the initial events, the Future legends Coaching Series division winners will be invited to participate in a free two-week High Performance Surfing Academy coaching course valued at R12k per participant that will take place on a date yet to be determined in Durban. At the same point in time, the High Performance Surfing Academy will be opened to the public, and information on courses and pricing will be readily available by then.

The series winner of the U16 Boys division will also win a slot into the JBU Supertrial presented by RVCA, set to take place at Supertubes in JBay. The JBU Supertrial is a prestigious, invite-only event that awards one slot into the main event of the WSL JBay Open in Jeffreys Bay.

U16 Boys
1. Calvin Goor (Salt Rock)
2. Koby Oberholzer (Warner Beach)
3. Julien Zens (Melkbos)
4. Karl Steen (Durban)

U13 Boys
1. Mitch Du Preez (East London)
2. Nathan Spaulding (Durban)
3. Kyle McGregor (Port Alfred)
4. James Ribbink (Durban)

U16 Girls
1. Anna Jellema-Butler (Cape Town)
2. Snehlanhla Makhubu (Durban)
3. Kirsty McGillivray (JBay)
4. Nina Harmse (Mossel Bay)

South African Surfing Legends is supported by South African Rugby Legends, Richmark, Firewire, Red Bull, Avis and Maverick Printing, as well as Core Medical and Wellness Centre.

The South African Surfing Legends website is at www.southafricansurfinglegends.com