Para surfer secures second national title

Ramsgate para surfer, Sean Thompson has done it again for the South Coast, placing first in the All Inclusive Stand Men’s category at the recent Tyrelife Solutions SA Para Surfing Championships in Durban.

Sean began surfing casually six years ago, and only really took to it during the last three years.

His mom, Zonika Thompson said Sean was over the moon when he realised he had won his second title. “He could not believe it,” said the proud mother.

She said despite having some challenges before the competition, Sean was extremely grateful that he did not get pneumonia this year as he usually does.

“”The training time before SA’s was very limited because of sea conditions after the April floods, so there was little time for preparation in the water. He did get quite emotional, which we could not place because of his limited communication abilities, but we could see he was nervous. Before the competition he slept like a baby,” said Zonika.

She said since he started surfing, his highlight is being able to surf completely unassisted at his local beach, as often as conditions allow.

“Winning his division at KZN Para Champs is also a highlight and of course being an active participant of the wonderful Made for More team. If it was not for them making it all happen none of it would be possible for Sean as a disabled person,” she added.

Zonika said his goals going forward are definitely winning a world title and having as much fun as possible in the waves with his family and friends

She said even though SA does not as yet have a division for including people with Down Syndrome to participate at world level, she is hopeful that will change in the future.

Sean’s family thanks Made for More and all their volunteers, as well as the two South Coast greats who have had the most influence on his training, Heather Clark and Royden Bryson.

Organiser and host of the event, local NPO, Made for More’s founder, Julia van Zyl said it was their biggest joy and privilege to host the country’s best adaptive surfers and to witness the sport growing year by year.

“Each year, the vibe on the beach grows, the smiles get bigger and the passion, skill and dedication of the athletes more palpable. For us, it’s so much more than just surfing – it’s access, it’s inclusion, it’s opportunity and mostly it’s belonging- we are a close-knit community”.

Fifty surfers competed in the 2022 championship, 34 men and 16 women from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal took top honours, with Western Cape in second and Eastern Cape and Gauteng in third and fourth respectively.

Coach and water assistant Wendy Heslop said she can honestly say that the weekend of the championship was the highlight of her year.

“Our monthly Made for More Surf sessions are at the top of my list – definitely when my heart is happiest. The heart, passion, organisation and time Made for More put into the competition showed, and the leadership is a great example of service and love. I am blessed to be a part of it all, “said Heslop.

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