SUNNINGDALE resident Tracy Delport carved out a number of firsts at the recent South African Bodyboarding Championships at West Beach, Port Alfred.

Delport, who was captain of the EThekwini Bodyboarding Association (EBA) Team, was the first female captain for any province in the 37-year history of bodyboarding in South Africa.

She also became the first female captain to lead her team to victory, winning the coveted Fishman Trophy and the Spirit Trophy.

More joy was yet to come for the 43-year-old who secured her second SA ladies title.

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Delport last won the SA ladies title in 2019, also in Port Alfred, and has had a number of podium finishes over the years.

Speaking on both hers and the team’s performance at the champs, Delport said she was delighted with how everything worked out.

“For me personally, all I wanted to do was ride better. I had my own mental goals to improve my riding so I went in with a calm head with a goal to enjoy my heats. Winning was a bonus for me, but my main focus was on the team. That actually helped me not overthink things in my competition. The EBA team, though, were switched on from the beginning. Every competitor contributed in every division, and that’s what ultimately led to us winning the Fishman and Spirit Trophies.

“I always had faith in the team, and I was so proud of how everyone performed. The team’s vice-captain Sascha Taljaard was a pillar of strength through the competition. Something else that really impressed me was how supportive the team were outside the water. The vibe was incredible, and there was high energy and plenty of support. We really ran like a well-oiled machine,” she said.

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EBA has a proud tradition at nationals and has now won 31 out of 38 SA champs.

In a bid to grow the sport, Delport hosts Friday sessions at 15:00 (between Bay of Plenty and the North Beach piers) where she teaches youngsters how to bodyboard for free.

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