Durban father and daughter ready to tackle champs

IN the sport of bodyboarding, the list of children who follow in their parents’ footsteps and participate alongside them is relatively small.

However, within the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association (EBA) Team, that tradition is alive and well and is certainly the case for father-and-daughter duo and North Beach residents, Sascha and Shiloh Taljaard.

The duo are part of the EBA team that will participate at this month’s South African Bodyboarding Championships at West Beach, Port Alfred.

Shiloh is part of the Development Girls’ division while Sascha competes in the Professional and Drop-Knee Division.

Drop-Knee bodyboarding involves riding with one knee on the board – essentially one knee up and one knee down – as opposed to the prone position in traditional bodyboarding.

Sascha, who has podiumed multiple times at various SA champs, outlined his plans for this year’s SA champs.

“I have won a few things, but I have never won the Drop-Knee Division. In a way, you could say my nemesis is the SA champs. I’ve podiumed multiple times, but I’ve never written my name on that SA trophy. A goal of mine this year is to take the Drop-Knee Division,” he said.

He also touched on the special moment of having Shiloh in the EBA team.

“It is our first time together that we’ve both made the team, and I’m so proud of her. It is surreal seeing your daughter enjoy your passion and commit to training and making the team. The greatest thing is this was something she wanted to do without any pressure on her. I think there is a great deal of generational talent within the EBA team, and that is on show with quite a few parents having their children compete, as well,” he said.

The 48-year-old also spoke on his passion for the sport.

“With bodyboarders, what we’ve done is out of passion. I think so many would agree that what we get from the sport is something money can’t really give you. It is just you, your board and flippers and an ocean you can go to at any time. It is also a positive-mental-health sport. It gives you a sense of fear but also a sense of accomplishment when you catch the wave and overcome that fear. It is my life,” he said.

Shiloh, who is in Grade Three at Hillcrest Preparatory School, said her goal at SA champs is to do her best.

“My goal for the competition is to do my best and have fun,” the nine-year-old explained. “I have been bodyboarding since I was a youngster, and I would love to follow in my dad’s footsteps. The waves are fun to ride, and I get a sense of calm from riding them.”

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