Reaching for their surfing dreams

The Ilembe Surf Riders need your help to make sure that the next generation of Dolphin Coast grommets can shine to their full potential.

Formed in January this year, the Ilembe Surf Riders became the first district to be added to the Surfing South Africa (SSA) body in 25 years and have nearly 100 children of all ages learning how to surf under their tutelage.

What started off in the tidal pool at Thompson’s Bay soon moved out to the beach – particularly Tiffany’s Beach – as the grommets became more and more adept on their boards.

The Ilembe Surf Riders want to encourage a love for the waves not only in places you’d expect it – but also in the townships of Ilembe.

“When you teach a child a love of the ocean and a passion for surfing – you are keeping that child away from drugs and other bad influences,” said Linda Hlope, one of the coaches.

“The kids in the townships know soccer – but I want them to start loving surfing as well.”

With the support of The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong, the Surf Riders aim to start grass roots development of surfing talent.

“We will support Ilembe Surf Riders in order to create awareness and also through the event, to raise funds to support the sustainability of their programmes,” said The Ballito Pro event co-ordinator Colette Bundy.

“It is only through public private partnerships that we can work together to successfully achieve our aims and goals.”

After their recent trials in Durban, the Ilembe Surf Riders picked their best young surfers to join the development team to take part in the 2017 Billabong Grommet Games at Pollock Beach in Port Elizabeth from 17 to 21 March.

These young men and women make up the development team: Knox Rutherford, Jesse Findlay, Stella Fourie, Troy Taylor, Alexandra Fourie, Tyron Newell, Nobuhle Vilakazi, Wandile Khoza, Cameron Jacobs, Cassidy Wilson, Jean Viljoen, Sindi Simelane, Sanelle Mhlongo, Sponelle Thusini, Lerato Mazibuko, Loyiso Hadebe and Nosisa Hlope.

However, some of the talented young children cannot afford the trip to PE.

They will need transport, accommodation, food, team jackets and the like which, all together, will cost tens of thousands of Rands.

One of the young surfers that needs your support is 14-year-old Sanele Mhlongo from Shaka’s Head.

The Sizani Primary student says that he loves surfing, “I have only been surfing for a few months and already I am hooked.

“There is no feeling in the world like catching a good wave – I hope other children will also get involved in the sport.”

If you or your company are interested in making a grommet’s dreams come true, contact Ilembe Surf Riders chairman Darren Sykes at 082 778 9989.

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