Clay surfs to SA junior title
South Coast surfer Clay Turrell won every single heat he surfed in and ultimately won.
It’s been a while since an Ugu surfrider won at SA Champs but that changed this year when Clay Turrell dominated the U16 age group to etch his name into surfing history.
He hails from Southport and won every heat he surfed in, ultimately winning his division and receiving the added bonus of being named surfer of the contest (across all age groups).
The champs were held at iconic surf spot Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.
To cap off a great contest, he received his prize from Durbanite Jordy Smith, who currently surfs on the World Championship Tour, and was one of the sponsors.
Clay has had excellent mentoring from team coach Royden Bryson, as well as his parents Shaun (who acted as team manager) and Bridget.
There was also support from team captains Mayah Potgieter and Tristan Korsten.
Clay surfs on the SA Surf Tour, travelling around the country to compete in events.
This year he has surfed in both the U16 and U18 divisions. “I like a challenge and this has helped me improve a lot and claim podium places,” he said.
He is currently ranked fourth in the U16 age group and seventh in the U18 age group on the tour.
Meanwhile, Mayah (U18) from St Michaels, placed third in her age group this year. She is no stranger to podium finishes and won the U16 girls’ division last year but was surfing for Ilembe District at the time.
Her ranking is currently 10th, but she has age on her side for one more year.
Five Ugu surfers made it to the quarter-finals, namely Emma Thompson (U12), Zach Shelver (U12), Zach le Roux (U12), Clayton Robertse (U16) and Rylie van Niekerk (U18).
Two made the semi-finals, in Taylor Emslie (U14) and Tyne van Achterbergh (U16).
Ugu team: U12 boys – Zach Shelver and Zach le Roux. U12 girls – Emma Thompson. U14 boys – Travis Turrell, Zach Johnson, Amkela Mgcina, Thando Sashi. U14 girls – Taylor Emslie, Haylie le Roux. U16 boys – Clayton Turrell, Tyne van Achterbergh, Clayton Robertse, Daryn Palmer. U16 girls – Nina Dirkze van Schalkwyk. U18 boys – Tristan Korsten, Jude Hoyee, Rylie van Niekerk, Hannes Hoffman. U18 girls – Mayah Potgieter.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
