Durban North longboard surfer crowned SA champ
The 23-year-old, who represented KwaZulu-Natal longboard team at the championships said this victory was made even sweeter having his best friends cheering him on.
DURBAN North resident, Sam Christianson was crowned national champ at this year’s South African Longboarding Championships in Jeffreys Bay.
This was his first-ever senior (Open Men’s) title after tasting victory in 2014 when he won the U16 title as a junior.
The 23-year-old, who represented KwaZulu-Natal longboard team at the championships said this victory was made even sweeter having his best friends cheering him on.
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“Before the championships I had made up my mind that I would win and I was determined to follow through. This was the fourth year I had made the finals in the Open Men’s category and in the past I was beaten by longboarders with more experience so I didn’t mind losing as I was the underdog. Those losses helped shape my journey and the victory in J-Bay was made even sweeter because I was more motivated than ever before.
“It was quite an emotional feeling being crowned SA champ. I remember being cheered on by my best friends when I got to the beach and someone handing me a cell phone with my dad on the line congratulating me. I couldn’t tell you whose phone that was but it was such an incredible feeling hearing my dad and family cheering me on. This win has definitely motivated me to continue learning and pushing myself,” he said.
Christianson said he was also pleased with team KZN’s performances which saw them finish third in the team standings.
Special mention also goes to Durban North resident, Christy Gilmour who was named ‘female surfer of the contest’ in the women’s division.
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