On the crest of the wave

Alex van Rooyen from Ballito is one of three people from South Africa who recently competed in the Wave House World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

The competition had representatives from South Africa, America, Spain, Chile, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Although he has not won any world titles yet, Van Rooyen said he will continue to compete until he is victorious.

Van Rooyen (17) is currently studying Forex Markets as an intern at a trading room in Cape Town, but has been flow boarding for almost four years on the barrel.

“I went to Crawford for a while and then I did homeschooling through AIU which is based in Miami, USA. I did my Grade 10, 11 and 12 together and matriculated at 16.”

His mother, Madelaine van Rooyen said he achieved all this despite the fact that he was diagnosed with Dyslexia.

“He did not let that stand in his way!” said the proud parent.

Van Rooyen competed in Spain in 2012 in the strapped and strapless categories, Abu Dhabi in 2013 and again in Abu Dhabi this year in the Pro Men’s strapless and strapped category.

“It has been hard because I could not really practise while studying in Cape Town,” said Van Rooyen.

“I think that in SA, flow boarding needs a lot more recognition than what it currently has. Hardly anyone who is not a local knows what a Wave House is. Everyone assumes they are wave pools like at Sun City. I think there needs to be a lot more competition and new riders in the sport,” said Van Rooyen.

He said the best part of competing in the World Champs is the good friends he has made with the other competitors.

“It is really interesting to see all the different Wave Houses around the world, and meet all the people along the way.”

“The Wave House in Abu Dhabi’s shape feels a lot smoother to ride on. It is a newer wave and design compared to Durban’s.”

He said currently there are no sponsors for the sport and they could really do with more support.