‘Shore’ victory for local para surfers
Made for More is an NPO that aims to empower people with disabilities through sport.
SEVERAL Berea residents were among 40 surfers who competed in the KZN Para Surfing Championships at Addington Beach at the weekend.
The event was hosted by Made for More, an NPO that aims to empower people with disabilities through sport. Surfers took part in several divisions, including Stand, Kneel, Sit, Prone and Blind and Visually Impaired.
Berea resident, Danito Mondlane came first in the men’s Visually Impaired 1 division (totally blind) while Umbilo resident, Atang Moabi came second in the men’s All Inclusive Stand division. Glenwood’s Erynn Geddie came third in the men’s Visually Impaired 2 division (partially blind) and Morningside resident, James Sinclair came fourth in the Prone Assist division while Durban Central resident Zubeida Bux came eighth in the women’s Prone Assist category.
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Made for More founder Julia Van Zyl said they saw several newcomers take to the surf at the weekend.
“This year was all about the newcomers coming in and giving the old dogs a run for their money. It was so wonderful to see the guys coming up the ranks from our adaptive surfing programme to surf in their first contest and absolutely dominate. Similo Dlamini, Lerato Seroke, Alwande Mhlongo, Asande Sibisi, Alwande Mthembu and Tiaan du Plessis all took the win in their various divisions,” she said.
Newcomer, Mark Charlesworth who competed in the Prone Assist division, soared his way through the semi-final with an excellent heat score of 16.5, scoring an 8.5 and an 8.0 to secure his spot in the final. Charlesworth finished in second place, beating many of the more established surfers in the hotly contested division.
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Long-time surfer Natashia Siebert beat rivals Alulutho Tshoba, Jodie Kroone and Zizipho Zukulu in the women’s Prone Assist division.
The event was sponsored by VUM Insurance, SMTH Shapes, Hewitt and Associates, Surf HQ, Trophy Centre, Thirsti, Switch energy drink, Pizzaboyz Florida Road, Talisman Hire Umhlanga and Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.
Made for More will welcome the best Para Surfers in the country on May 20 and 22 at New Pier, Durban where they will select the National Para Surfing team for 2022.
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