Jordy Smith and Sal Masekela draw crowds to iLembe Surf Riders’ fundraiser

A week of action-packed surfing, great weather and large crowds provided a perfect setting for the world’s longest-running professional surfing event.

While the Ballito Pro showcased some of the sport’s top surfers it was also an opportunity for local surf riding association, iLembe Surf Riders’ to host their annual fundraiser event on Wednesday July 3, at the Fiamma Grill, Coco de Mer Hotel.

South African champion Jordy Smith and Ballito Pro ambassador Sal Masekela drew a large audience to help raise much-needed funds for the local surf association.

The evening also highlighted the instrumental role Ilembe Surf Riders plays in the local growing surfing community.

Guest speaker at the fundraiser was Sal Masekela.

Born and bred in exile, Los Angeles-based Sal is an action sports presenter, journalist, musician and also founder of Stoked Mentoring, a non-profit organisation which uses action sports to empower children from underprivileged communities in the USA.

Drawing comparisons to his own childhood, Sal said there were no people of colour in his community who surfed.

“With surfing being so personal to me and a massive part of my life this event was an easy choice to put my name on,” said Masekela.

“Children need opportunity and the ability to be exposed to their full potential.

Something as simple as negotiating the power of the ocean to the point they learn to ride a wave can expand how a child looks at their overall life’s potential.

The ocean builds great human beings as it is a humbling and healing place that makes you appreciate how small you really are,” explained Masekela.

iLembe Surf Riders’ fundraising coordinator Michelle Sykes said the evening had been a great success and was well supported by the North Coast community.

The ilembe Surf Riders’ Association was formed in January, 2017 and became the first district to be added to the Surfing South Africa body in the last 25 years.