IT is rare in sports to have several family members represent a provincial team at a national champs.

But for Durban North residents, McKayla, Darrin and Keegan Boucher, it’s an all-family affair as they have been chosen to represent the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association Team (EBA) for the South African Bodyboarding Championships held in September at West Beach, Port Alfred.

The trio, who also competed at last year’s SA Bodyboarding Champs, are all looking to improve on their placements and make their coach and team proud.

McKayla (12), who competes in the Development Girls’ division, was actually the person who inadvertently introduced the family to the sport.

The Grade Six learner at Chelsea Preparatory School was invited by her best friend to attend a girls’ bodyboarding clinic coached by Tracy Delport, who is now captain of the EBA team.

“The clinics were held on a Friday, so my dad and brother would come down, and they also got into the water. They developed a passion for bodyboarding and were hooked, so they also became members of the team. I loved jumping over the waves with my best friend, and the clinics just got more fun as I developed. Overall, this year’s SA Champs is my third one, and I’ve come second for the past two years in the Girls’ Development Division, so I would love to go one better this year. I’m so grateful to my coach Tracy (Delport) and to my family for their support,” she said.

For her brother, Keegan, the goal is also to improve on his place last year.

The Grade Nine learner at Northwood School finished third in last year’s Boys’ Division.

“It has been a big step up for me because I’ve progressed from the Development Division to the Boys’ Division. This year will be my second year in a row competing in this division. I would love to podium again, but I will say, it will be difficult. The break at Port Alfred is a left-handed wave where, in Durban, we surf on a right-handed wave. If I make the final and podium, I will be stoked, and I hope my family do well at the champs, too,” he said.

McKayla and Keegan’s father, Darrin (47), who competes in the Masters Division, touched on how special the moment was.

“This is all started with a Friday afternoon bodyboarding session, and to do this day, we carry it out. It’s the one time we go down as a family and have some fun on the waves. On a personal note, I try to go down at least three times a week. It is thanks to both my children that I’ve progressed in the sport. It is so awesome being able to represent the EBA and to bodyboard together as a family. We love paddling out to the backline, and it is lovely to see both McKayla and Keegan push themselves, get stronger and develop. I’ve found bodyboarding has helped me handle stressful situations and be a lot calmer in different situations,” Darrin said.

Darrin’s wife, Lara, is also a massive supporter of the family, often cheering her family on from the sidelines and supporting their endeavours.

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