A FEW years ago, longboard surfing was considered items of a bygone era. However in recent times, the sport has seen a resurgence with the 9-foot board cutting through the surf with aplomb and perfectly skimming the surface of small waves. Just ask Northwood School’s Fabien Marais, who was recently chosen for the KZN Longboard surfing team.

Fabien represented KZN at the South African Longboard Surfing Champs in Mossel Bay and finished fourth in the U16 division. The other pupil to shine for the north was Danville Park Girls’ High School pupil, Christy Gilmour who won the U16 girls division.

“I was really pleased with my results. My aim was to make the top five and try and get a sponsor. It’s always an honour representing your province and ultimately I’d love to represent SA. Last year I fell short at trails and I was really happy with my performances to make the provincial team, I’ve been working very hard,” he said.

Marais who is mentored and coached by his dad, said he could not ask for a better coach.

“He is the one that got me into the sport. My dad gave me a bodyboard at the age of three and I never looked back. I only started the transition from surf to longboard which initially wasn’t easy because the boards are so long. My dad has been awesome in helping me prepare for competitions, we have a really good relationship,” he said.