THIS year will mark a number of firsts for La Lucia surfer and Billabong team rider, Olivia Izzard. Not only will she be surfing in international waters for the first time, but it will also mark her first time representing South Africa in the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, in October. The 13-year-old put in some impressive performances at an intense three-day camp held to choose the SA junior squad recently.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it, but when they announced the team I was thrilled. This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to representing my country. It’s an honour and a privilege,” said the excited surfer.

Olivia will be competing in the U16 division at the global showpiece and said she knows her work will be cut out for her.

“It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be awesome to test myself against the older girls. The overseas surfers have higher standards but I’m not scared, I’m pretty confident in my abilities out on the water. My coach, Quinton Jones, has been really cool, keeping me motivated and telling me to just believe in myself.

“We’ve been working on my turns and trying out different techniques,” she explained.

The team is made up of four U18 and four U16 boys, and two U18 and two U16 girls, with a non-travelling reserve selected in each of the divisions. Two-time U17 SA Champion and uMhlanga resident, Teal Grace-Hogg, will be competing in her second ISA World Junior Championships.

The USA last hosted a World Junior Surfing Championships in 2005.