Para surfer represents Durban at international competition

GRADE 12 learner Asande Sibisi from Open Air School is still buzzing from his trip to the United States. Asande  competed in the 2022 ISA World Para Surfing Championships that were held at Prismo Beach, California from December 4 to December 11 last year.

Asande, who hails from rural Nquthu, started surfing in 2021 and took up surfing through Made for More, a non-profit organisation that aims to empower people with disabilities through sport. “After watching a movie called ‘Chasing the Mavericks’, I was so inspired and wanted to join the sport. It was more about a free ticket to leave the school boarding and get some fresh air in the ocean with my friends. Luckily, I was involved with a non-profit organisation that empowers and equips people living with disabilities [Made for More], and I talked to someone there who introduced me to the surf. After one surfing session, I couldn’t get enough of it; I wanted to surf more. And that’s when I decided to become a surfer.”

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Diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), Asande wears specialised glasses to improve his vision. The now-Grade 12 learner says that he can see objects that are nearby although objects farther away appear blurry.

Going into the international competition, Asande says he was nervous. “I was scared before the first round, but I had my coaches and teammates who helped to calm my nerves – then I felt better and ready to hit the waves.”

Asande placed 11th in his para-surfing division and says that his teammates also performed very well. “As a team, we managed to obtain fifth place out of 28 countries. And three of my teammates were able to bring medals home.”

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The senior learner has positive aspirations for his future. “My goal in 2023 is to take all the experience I got from the World Championships and apply it when surfing so that I can improve my surfing skills and take them to another level.”

His advice to anyone who is thinking of taking up surfing: “There’s nothing to be afraid of – surfing is about having fun, and it also teaches more about life’s challenges. And also, if you follow your passion, it will eventually lead to success.”