Para-surfer flies SA flag high

BLUFF para-surfer Tracy Mckay flew the South African flag high when she returned with silver at the ISA World Para-surfing Championships held in La Jolla, California in March.

Tracy competed in the prone one category, where each competitor had a chance to compete twice, divided into two rounds. “After round two they take your two top scoring waves and seed you. The top four competitors make it through to the final. I was seeded second overall after round two was completed which got me a place in the final.

She went on to secure second place in the final, awarding her the silver medal she wears proudly today. “I am now ranked second in the world in my category for para-surfing in prone one. When I say it out loud it does not seem real at all, I still can’t quite believe it.”

Asked how different her surfing experience was overseas compared to back at home. Tracy said, “La Jolla surfing conditions are very different to our conditions in Durban. The waves are much softer which makes it quite difficult to catch and ride waves to one’s full potential. My first heat was pretty disastrous. I was so nervous and made so many mistakes but it was a great learning curve. It was actually in my second heat where I scored my highest points, which got me through to the final. While watching other experienced surfers I picked up some quality skills that I am dying to try out and perfect back at home.”

Para-surfing champ said that she thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and that California is as picturesque as it is in the movies, with palm trees everywhere and quaint little houses.

“I’m very blessed to have the love and support from my family, friends and the Bluff community. If it wasn’t for them, this would’ve been only a dream. They helped make it a reality. All the competitors, organisers and supporters I met were amazing and I managed to make quite a few friends which I hope to see again in the near future. Thank you everyone who has supported me on my journey and to everyone who stayed up late to watch me competing live. You guys are amazing,” thanked Tracy.

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