Sykes excels at Vans US Open

When you paddle out in front of thousands of people in Surf City, the pressure is on to perform at your best on the world stage.

Salt Rock’s Shane Sykes managed to keep his cool and let his surfing do the talking when he competed in the Vans US Open Pro Junior Men competition at Huntington Beach, California.

Sykes surfed his way to the quarterfinals, along with fellow South African, Dylan Lightfoot from Jeffreys Bay.

“It was great to finish equal ninth in the event, I learned a lot and it was a crazy experience,” said Sykes.

Although, he was disappointed with himself for not taking a wave in his quarterfinal clash while he had priority.

“It was a stupid mistake. I had priority but I let the other guy take the wave and then he got the score he needed.”

“It was a lesson learned and I will work on using my priority better in the future,” said the young man, who is slowly climbing his way up the competitive ladder.

Of all the surf contests around the world, the event at Huntington Beach, without a doubt, draws the biggest crowd.

“There were about two million people on the beach for finals day. When you walk out of the competitors arena, there are just people coming from all sides taking photos and asking for autographs.”

“It was not overwhelming, but it definitely adds more pressure. I have never paddled out in front of so many people!” said Sykes.

Coming back from the USA, he immediately jumped back to work completing his school tasks and even organised a beach cleanup.

“I wanted to give back to the community and because I surf at Salt Rock all the time, I thought a beach cleanup was a good idea.”

Sykes partnered with Sycor Construction who sponsored the cleanup.

Up next for the young charger is the last leg of the Quiksilver Get Free Series going down in Port Alfred at the end of the month.