Ballito surfer Andrew Banks (53) has earned an invitation to compete against some of the world’s top veteran surfers in the Dominican Republic.

The former world surfing champion hosted a friendly competition at Bog Bay in Ballito last week to raise money for his travel expenses for the 10th Masters Surf Reunion, taking place from November 6 to 9.

The local competition will become an annual event honouring the memory of well-known Ballito surfer Brian “Dog” Dougherty, who died on December 29 last year, aged 62. Dougherty was chairman of the iLembe Surf Riders Association at the time of his death.

Banks is no stranger to international surfing. In 2008, he represented South Africa at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Masters Surfing Games in Peru, where he finished fifth and helped South Africa secure team gold.

It was during this competition that he first connected with surfers from the Dominican Republic, with whom the South African team shared accommodation.

Two years later, Banks represented South Africa at the 2010 ISA World Masters Surfing Games in Panama, where he won gold and claimed the Masters world title.

These international connections have now earned him an invitation to compete in the Masters Surf Reunion, an annual event celebrating experienced surfers.

The competition primarily attracts surfers from North and South America, as well as the surrounding Caribbean islands, with divisions for over-40, 50 and 60 athletes.

Banks will compete in both the over-40 and over-50 divisions.

He hopes to raise R30 000 to cover travel, accommodation, entry fees, food and other expenses.

Banks, who has worked as a real estate agent at Fulton Properties for 12 years, is scheduled to leave on October 26.

He thanked the local businesses and individuals who supported his fundraising competition by donating prizes.

Those wishing to support Banks can contribute through his BackaBuddy campaign or contact him on 074 419 0685.