THERE’S another Jordan making a name for himself in the surfing world.
Durbanite Jordy Smith is a world-famous name, now not far from the number one ranking, and flying the flag for South Africa.
Closer to home, St Mike’s to be specific, is the unknown young Jordan Boshoff.
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He surprised some of the more fancied surfers with a fourth place finish in the U14 age group of the World Surf League JQS 1000 Billabong Junior Series presented by All Aboard Travel and surfed at Willard Beach in Ballito last week.
While Jordan didn’t win his section – he was up against three of the top surfers in his age group in the country – he did gather some attention.
“Nobody at the event had any idea where he was from,” laughed Paul Botha, media manager for WSL.
When they heard he was from St Mike’s, everyone was thrilled.
“It’s great to see new talent coming out St Mike’s, thanks to Heather Clark’s coaching programmes,” said Paul.
Jordan has a twin brother Thomas but he’s more interested in bodyboarding. They’re the sons of Louis and Eloise and attend Port Shepstone High, where they’re in Grade 8.
“Jordan is totally addicted to surfing, something he started about three years ago. If it’s a south-westerly wind blowing, he’s happy; if it’s a north-easter then not so much,” he said.
Louis said the surfing had actually helped Jordan improve his schoolwork. “He’s far more focused, wants to get his homework done so he can go surf,” he said.
The junior contest was the opening event in the 13-day Ballito Pro Surf Festival which features the country’s best 18-and-under surfers, alongside a contingent of highly rated international competitors.
Samuel Pupo (17) of Brazil was the standout performer throughout the three day event, consistently delivering the highest scores in each round and demonstrating an outstanding ability to perform gravity-defying manoeuvres high in the air above the waves.
The SA Surf Tour events for U16, U14 and U12 boys and girls produced some epic duels with Mitch du Preez (East London) delivering an astounding performance in the U14 boys’ final, posting the only perfect 10 point ride of the entire event and backing that up with an 8.50 for a heat tally of 18.50 out of 20.
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Winners of the respective events were Samuel Pupo (Brazil – U18), Zoe McDougall (Hawaii – U18), Luke Slijpen (Hout Bay – U16), Kayla Nogueira (Durban – U16), Mitch du Preez (East London – U14), Ceara Knight (Cape Town – U14) and Kyra Bennie (Vredehoek – U12).
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