Surfer prepares for junior SA champs
Each surfer has to raise R5 500 towards their trip, to cover the entry fee, team kit, accommodation, coaching and food for the week.
Surf sensation JJ Hoffman of Port Shepstone has ridden the wave into the Ugu junior surfing team and will represent KwaZulu-Natal at the junior South African champs in Jeffreys Bay from September 30 to October 5.
JJ, a sixteen-year-old grade 10 learner from Suid-Natal High has been surfing with Heather Clark since he started the sport five years ago. He will be competing in the U16 age group which is one of the toughest divisions with many talented surfers.
In 2018, JJ made the SA team but unfortunately fell out early due to inexperience but aims to improve on his previous result.
Now as he returns to the champs, JJ is raising money to help cover expenses required to compete. Each surfer has to raise R5 500 towards their trip, to cover the entry fee, team kit, accommodation, coaching and food for the week.
“I can’t wait to surf Jeffreys Bay again, I’ve only ever been there once at the last nationals and since then I’ve been dreaming about going back,” JJ said.
According to JJ the journey was a lot more different this time with a lot more preparation in the build up, “Everything is different this time round. Last time I hadn’t been surfing very long so I was nervous of surfing a new break among the best juniors in SA. I’ve trained hard and Heather has been an amazing coach, so I’m going into SA’s with a lot more confidence,” he said.
“It has been awesome to watch this little grom grow over the years from when he first started to surfing to now, I am proud of him and wish him the best of luck along with the rest of the Ugu surfers going to the champs,” said Heather.
South Shore Surf Club will host a golf day on August 1 to help a few surfers fundraise. To donate and participate call Heather on 082 4377839.
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