Sykes to take on King of the Groms SA

The finals will be held in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro France World Tour event at the end of September. Sykes had his surf video, which contained top surf action and lifestyle visuals from around KZN, rated as the best in the South African leg of the competition.

“I am so happy with the win, I put a lot of effort in and it has paid off. The new concept of entering via online submissions is great and gives everyone a chance to display their surfing to a global audience. I can’t wait to get to France and get barreled,” said an excited Sykes.

Although Sykes’ video received the most votes by the public, the top five videos had to go to a final voting panel, headed by South African surf icon Travis Logie, to decide the ultimate winner. Logie was assisted by Zigzag staffer Alan van Gysen and ex pro surfer Paul Canning to select the surfer that would represent SA at the finals in France.

“We were really impressed with the standard of surfing from all the entrants, but Shane’s style and technique was on another level. I think he’s got a good chance to take the title in France,” said Logie.

The finals will see 18 surfers, 16 years and younger, representing ten surfing regions across the globe, taking one another on for the coveted prize. Sykes will make his way to the south of France hoping to become the first South African to win the title. Only Slade Prestwich (Durban) and David Brand (Cape Town) have come close, both previously finishing third. The global event has been a springboard for many talented youngsters and top pro’s like Jeremy Flores (France), Matt Banting (Aus), Gabriel Medina (Brazil) and Aritz Aranburu (Spain) have all won there on their way to building successful careers. Sykes will also get the opportunity to rub shoulders with seasoned veterans Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson and other World Tour pro’s.

To watch Sykes’ winning video and to find out more about the event go to to https://quiksilverlive.com/kotg/2013/.