Every month the Northglen News will profile sporting heroes who compete across a wide spectrum of sporting codes. These could include World or SA Champions or even rising stars who look set to take the sporting world by storm. Either way, if they are excelling or are passionate about the sport they play, then they stand a chance of featuring on our ‘Homegrown Sport Talent’ page.
Landé Williamson in action at one of the surfski races held in Durban recently. PHOTO: Kevin Sawyer (Gameplan Media)
LA Lucia resident, Landé Williamson, has only started her Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) journey two years ago, but already she is one of the rising stars on the circuit. The 32-year-old recently completed the Bay Union Surfski Series where she finished third in the overall standings. Williamson, who is also competes in triathlons and holds an all Africa and South Africa record-holder in angling.
“I hold the 10kg and 8kg line class record for Dorado catches in South Africa and Africa. I work with my hubby, we manufacture offshore fishing lures, so it was in inevitable that I would get involved in fishing,” she laughed. “I’ve always loved the outdoors and the beach, so for me fishing and SUP are two ways for me to do that. SUP defiantly has taken preference.
“I’ve been really happy with my SUP performances so far, I’m relatively new to the sport, I only started competing last year April. The SUP scene in Durban is amazing, we are like one big family. It was fantastic being part of the surfski series which was challenging but a great experience. I think the sport is something you can quickly adapt to and grow in. Being part of the F-One SA SUP Team has also helped me grow tremendously as well as piggy back on their knowledge, I’m so grateful for the crew. I think the support from the Durban paddlers, family and friends are just another thing I love about stand-up paddling, the camaraderie and spirit is amazing,” she said.
Landé Williamson said the SUP community is like a family.
Landé’s biggest contribution however, and one she is passionate about, is being an ambassador for the Miles4Marrow campaign for The Sunflower Fund.
“For me it’s quite personal as my husband has lost both his parents to cancer. I’ve also lost my grandad to cancer and my gran has been fighting cancer for about two years now. I know first-hand what it’s like to care for someone who is fighting this disease. It’s not an easy road to walk and takes a substantial amount of strength and determination from a person. What I love about this The Sunflower Fund and its Miles4Marrow campaign is that is creates awareness as well as educates people about the process of bone marrow testing and recruiting donors.
Landé Williamson, has only started her Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) journey two years ago, but already she is one of the rising stars on the circuit. PHOTO: Kevin Sawyer
“Through raising awareness I’ve managed to get five people to become stem cell donors which is such a wonderful achievement, so worth all the sweat and hard work. The most rewarding thing for me is making a difference to someone’s life. The more donors found, the higher the chance of a leukaemia patient finding their 1 in 100 000 match. What us athletes are doing by campaigning is spreading some belief, it’s amazing how a little hope can go a long way towards helping someone,” the former Atholton Primary School pupil said.
My Favourites Fave sports to watch: “It would have to be triathlon or SUP race series” Fave food/cuisine: “I love calamari and peri-peri flat chicken.” Fave TV shows/channels: “The Blacklist is awesome.” Fave musician/band: “Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Howie Combrink” Fave quote: “I don’t really have one.” Am always hash tagging #worthit, #bloodsweatandbrusies. Whatever we do in life is worth the blood, sweat and bruises.
Shiraz has been a community journalist for the last 12 years and has a specific interest in everything sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts undergrad degree and honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he majored in Communications, Anthropology and English.
