ENTERING your first competition – nay, your first national champs – is a daunting task for any athlete. It may lead to sleepless nights or nervous butterflies, but that wasn’t the case for Glen Hills resident, Brayden Bergset, who recently surfed in his first competitive competition. In the process the 12-year-old clinched his first title, the Billabong SA Junior Champs U13 title.

The Northlands Primary School Grade 6 pupil ended with 15.5 points on the scoreboard to take the title from the Cape Town pair of York van Jaarsveld (13.83) and Manoa Robb.

“I knew my scores from the final rounds and I was nervous that York would catch up, but he didn’t. When the commentator announced I had won, I was so stoked. Going into the champs, I knew I was the youngest in my division and I wanted to do my best and make the first round. I didn’t expect to win but I’m ecstatic with the medal and winning my first SA title,” he said.

Speaking to Northglen News last week, Brayden explained how he almost missed out on the final because of a cut foot.

“I cut my foot on the rocks and I needed stitches. But if I had done that I wouldn’t have been able to surf the final, so I just decided to put on some plasters and go for it,” he said.

Brayden is a definite water child with his mom, dad and little brother all involved in surfing.

“I’ve been surfing for the past seven years. My dad was always pushing me to try it out and it’s hard to explain why I love it so much and why it’s a passion of mine. You feel free out on the waves and there is good vibe in your soul,” he said.

Brayden is also a member of the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club and earlier this year walked away with the Victor Ludorum (U12) at the national champs.