Gabbi makes waves at Ballito Pro
Hillcrest multi-skilled Gabbi recently won the U14 division of the O'Neill Shapes Rookie Rippers event.
GABBI Herbst, a Hillcrest teenager, described surfing as nothing short of a fulfilling experience and her dedication to the sport saw her win the U14 division of the O’Neill Shapes Rookie Rippers event at the recent Ballito Pro.
Herbst started surfing when she was seven years old and said she was proud and ‘super stoked’ to have won the title.
The Grade 9 learner at Hillcrest High School has also won the South African Champs 2017 U12 girls and the KwaZulu-Natal Champs U14 girls events.
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“I chose surfing because I just feel like I have always been somewhat attached to the ocean. It’s where I feel the most free, and where I can be my fullest self,” she said.
The surfing enthusiast said she trains as often as she can, but it is mostly on the weekends.
Her goal is to be the best and strongest and this is what motivates her to keep pushing herself.
The challenges she has tackled while surfing was when she has faced waves that are usually stronger and bigger than herself. “It’s not always a bad thing, as that makes you push yourself and gives you that extra boost of confidence. I just love surfing for the vibe and that chase of each wave being different, the variety of tricks you can achieve. I almost forget everything on land and just find my own inner peace. With that comes meeting new people with the same interests, the wild animals, it’s just an unexplainable feeling,” added an excited Gabbi.
The 14-year-old is also multi-skilled as she does ballet and skates, both of which she said help with her balance while surfing.
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