Star surfers hope to make waves in California

TWO learners from Open Air School have surfed their way to success. Grade Eight learner Alulutho Tshoba and Grade 11 learner Asande Sibisi have qualified for the 2022 ISA World Para Surfing Championships to be held at Prismo Beach in California, United States from December 4–11. They are hoping to raise the funds they need to make their dream of competing on the global stage a reality.

Asande, who hails from rural Nquthu, placed first in the Mens Visual Impairment 2 category at both the KZN and SA Para Surfing Championships this year. He showed incredible growth and talent after having just taken up the sport in 2021. Clermont resident Alulutho, who started bodysurfing in 2017, competed in the Women’s Prone Assist 2 category, placing second in the KZN championships, and she went on to win first place in the SA championships. Both youngsters took up surfing through Made for More, a non-profit company that aims to empower people with disabilities through sport. Both learners have found a sense of freedom in surfing and in being accepted by the Made for More community.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling I get when I am surfing. I feel free, like I have time to myself. It’s a place of tranquility,” said Asande.

ALSO READ: Berea surfers compete in national para-surfing comp

Diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), Asande wears specialised glasses to improve his vision. He explained that he can see objects that are nearby, although objects farther away appear blurry. Alulutho was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, which affects muscle control and coordination. While she uses crutches to walk, she feels like she is flying when she surfs.

“When I surf, I feel free on top of the waves, like a plane taking off,” she explained.

Don’t let disability disable your dreams

Surfing has also given the learners an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about children living with disabilities.
“To every child living with a disability, you can achieve whatever you believe in. Don’t let disability disable your dreams. Disability means you are different, and being different is what makes you unique,” said Asande.

Alulutho echoed these words, encouraging children and their families to live life to the full.
“Even if your child is disabled, it doesn’t mean you need to keep your child inside and worry that the outer world is dangerous. You have to let your child learn new things and meet new people. If your child doesn’t like it, they will say so – at least give them the chance to try. And you must give them a lot of love,” she said.

The youngsters added that children with disabilities need support as they tackle life’s challenges. While both young surfers displayed talent in the surf, they have faced their fair share of challenges learning to navigate the waves.
“When you wipe out, it feels like you are clothes in a washing machine,” said Alulutho.

ALSO READ: Blind athlete surfs with heart and soul

First trip overseas

Both Alulutho and Asande are hoping to raise funds to travel to California for the upcoming competition. It will be the first time either child has travelled abroad, and the youngsters are full of curiosity and excitement.
“It will be the first time I am even in an airport, ” said Asande.
“They say the waves in Durban are different to the waves overseas,” added Alulutho.

Both surfers need to raise large sums of money to finance the trip. Asande hopes to raise R57 500 for his solo trip while Alulutho has just under R40 000 left to raise to reach her goal of R102 000 to cover expenses for herself and her mother. Visit Alulutho’s BackaBuddy page, Let’s get Lulu to the Para Surfing World Champs 2022 or Asande’s page, Get Asande to Worlds to find out more or to support the young surfers.

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