TAKING part in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in the USA in the late part of last year was an experience that Glen Anil resident David Williams will never forget.

Williams was part of the SA adaptive surfing team that finished fifth overall in the champs that took place in Pismo Beach, California.

The 33-year-old, who competes in the kneel division, finished ninth overall and said his performances surpassed all expectations.

“My goal was just to make it to the world championships. I missed the semi-finals by a narrow margin, however, I wasn’t hard up on that. If I had to relive the experience, I wouldn’t change a single detail. This was a massive learning curve for me in terms of learning new techniques. I also had the chance to speak to various other competitors in the kneel division, which was incredible,” he said.

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The SA kneel division champ was also full of praise for his fellow teammates, three of whom – Jean-Paul Veaudry, Tracy McKay and Doug Hendrikz – earned podium places during the event.

“We were like a massive family in California. Each of us were on the pier supporting our fellow teammates through every heat, and when they came too short, we were singing Shosholoza and Nkosi sikelel’ Afrika. It really was an experience I will never forget, and the gees (spirit) among the SA team was incredible to witness,” he said.

Attention has now turned to this year’s KZN Para Surfing Championships.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about this year’s competition. It would be great to push for Worlds again this year, but you just never know – the talent in KZN and the country is amazing, and I think it is still going to be as tough as ever. We will just have to wait and see,” he said.