Local surfer De Vries shines in Japan

North Coast surfer Beyrick de Vries flew the South African flag high in Japan over the weekend.

Umhlanga-based De Vries, who is also an Ilembe Surfrider, was in the country for the 2018 Urban Research International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games.

He posted the highest heat total in the challenging overhead typhoon swell conditions for the opening day of the games at Long Beach in Tahara on Sunday.

De Vries, who last represented South Africa as a junior in New Zealand in 2010, posted a pair of seven point rides for a two heat tally of 14.27, one of just a handful of double-digit totals on the day.

He was joined by male team mates and fellow heat winners Adin Masencamp of the Strand and David van Zyl of Glenashley in Round 2 of the Qualifying Stream of the double-elimination format used in ISA events.

Unfortunately on day two, he fell just short of advancing, ending third behind Jhony Corzo (Mexico) and John Mark Tokong (Philippines).

But the experienced international campaigner redeemed himself with a convincing heat win in Round 2 of the Repos and remains in contention for higher honours in Japan.

Meanwhile, back home the Ilembe Surfriders team handed out caps to their members who will be competing in the SA Junior surf championship in Jeffrey’s Bay in October.

The following surfers received their Ilembe caps: Kai Hall, Julian Carbonel, Mayah Potgieter, Hayden Booysen, Daniel Bergset, Kai Molyneaux, Cooper Lee Smith, Dominic Southwood, Jean Viljoen, Brayden Bergset, Junior Cini, Calvin Goor, Anthony Pottow, Jamie Irvine (injured) and Calvin Ngwara.

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