BODYBOARDING is growing among township youth who are developing in the sport under the guidance of coach Bongani Khanyase of Gagasi Bodyboarding Club.

The eThekwini Beach-based club has over 30 aspiring bodyboarders who are vying for selection for the SA Bodyboarding Championship later this year. “For them it’s more than just a sport but a means to escape while learning valuable skills like swimming and bodyboarding. That is what this sport does, it teaches the youth discipline and to become go-getters,” said Khanyase.

The experienced and licensed lifeguard, bodyboarder and professional nurse is breaking barriers and training the aspiring athletes to become some of the best in the sport. Challenges with transport and training has slowed down the development of Gagasi athletes who travel from as far as Lamontville and KwaMashu to be part of the monthly training session at North Beach.

“Imagine if we had the right equipment and the funds to get everyone in training, where would these youngsters be in the sport,” said Khanyase. “We have raw talent within the club that is begging to be developed but without the boards, funding or sponsorship they are not able to grow as fast as we would like. We are looking for sponsors to support our coaching clinics and competition.”

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Khanyase said second-hand bodyboards can cost up to R3200, which is not doable for young athletes. “It is hard because we have been knocking on doors and getting rejected for funding and sponsorship. We have the talent but not the means to push them forward. We are appealing for help of any kind as we prepare for selection for SA Champs.

The SA Champs will be held in Cape Town later this year and will see the Gagasi bodyboarders compete against some of the best in the country. Ahead of the champs the team is currently preparing for the Durban Bodyboarding Development Competition on April 27.

Among the hopefuls is 10-year-old Lindokuhle Methusi and Mandy Ntuli from KwaMashu. “I really love swimming and bodyboarding,” said Methusi. “I’m hoping to be a bodyboarding champ one day.”

As one of the few girls in the club, Ntuli encouraged others to join the sport and test out their skills on the board. For more information or to sponsor the team contact Bongani Khanyase on 078 331 3254.

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