AS a junior world surfksi champ uMdloti’s Saskia Hockly is certainly one of the names to look out for at this weekend’s ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban.

At just 21, the talented paddler has won medals in four world champs events (two golds and two bronze) and is one of the more experienced competitors in the U23 age category.

Hockly will compete in the SS1 and SS2 category with paddling partner Matt Fenn.

She recently returned from a busy international marathon paddling season where she represented South Africa at the World Games in Chengdu, China, and then the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Hungary.

Also read: International silver streak for Hamish Lovemore

“It hasn’t been my best year in marathon champs. Having said that, competing at both international events and experiencing racing against the who’s who in the sport really gave me a confidence boost ahead of the world champs,” she said.

Hockly is currently training with Hamish Lovemore and said she is aiming for a podium finish at this weekend’s Ocean Racing World Championships.

“I would love to take gold again in the U23 race. I’ve been lucky enough to do a few downwind paddles in preparation. I also know it’s going to be tough as the field of paddlers is incredibly talented. Everyone is vying for top podium positions. In the SS2 category, both Matt and I have paddled together before and won bronze at the last world champs in Madeira, Portugal, last year. This year we aim to do our best and that’s all anyone can ask of you. After a long marathon season it’s refreshing to paddle in a ski again,” she said.

Following the world champs, Hockly will travel to Perth, Australia, for the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in November.

The week-long festival is one of the biggest events on the Australian ocean paddling calendar.

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