Nicole amped for international challenge

LA Lucia’s Nicole Pallet is gearing up for two of the biggest tests of her surfing career when she takes on the world’s best at the women’s QS 6000 at the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro before travelling to Tahara, Japan for the UR International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in September.

The 23-year-old recently placed fifth at the SA champs in East London and said the competition offered her the perfect preparation ahead of the world class events.

Pallet, who has represented South Africa twice as a junior, faces her sternest test this year as she enters the senior women category.

“It’s always an honour representing South Africa and putting on that green and gold, however, I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself ahead of the champs. In my mind I’ve set some goals looking ahead and for me making the finals of the world games would be a great achievement. It’s a really exciting time for me as I’m currently ranked 38th in the world and this will be an opportunity to prove myself and move up the rankings,” she said.

Read also: Paddlers aim for world champs glory

The marked improvement on 65th which she ranked last year is testament to Pallet’s fortitude and drive.

“I think my results in the last four years have shown that hard work pays off in the end. It makes you feel like anything is possible. It’s also down to my family, friends and my coach, Quinton Jones, who have been phenomenal in their support of me,” she said.

One of the standouts at the events will be her surfboard which sports a hand-drawn rabbit.

“One of my main passions in my surfing career is protesting animal-cruelty. So it’s my way of showing my support the animals and protesting animal testing for products. I use that board for every competition. My roommate drew it on and it’s one of the reasons why it’s my favourite,” she said.

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