Beyrick surfs to victory in uMhlanga

UMHLANGA’S Beyrick De Vries surfed his way to victory in the premier open men’s division at the second of three Quiksilver Get Free events. More than 70 of South Africa’s top competitive surfers were greeted with solid four to five-foot groundswells for the final day of competition at Bronze Beach, uMhlanga.

De Vries was a clear standout and looked comfortable in every one of his heats throughout the two-day event at his local surf break. The local lad’s power surfing combined with his impressive air game proved too good for his competitors and clinched the title ahead of Capetonian, Michael February, who placed second, Dale Staples of Westbrook in third place and Brandon Jackson, also of Durban, in fourth place.

“It was so nice to win at my home break. I just got back from Los Angeles so have been a bit jet-lagged but really stoked with the win, thank God there were waves, Bronze was cooking today,” said Beyrick. “I’d like to thank all the local guys and my sponsors for all the support,” a smiling De Vries added, taking home R8 000, a top of the range Drift Innovation action camera, Skullcandy headphones and some stylish Neff gear.

In the U20 junior boys division it was firm favourite, Shane Sykes of Salt Rock who stole the show winning a cool R4 000.
J-Bay’s Dylan Lightfoot placed a respectable second while Matt McGillivray also of Jeffrey’s Bay was relegated to third place. McGillivray, who is back from a recent injury, showed good form to find himself a podium finish, while Wade Simkiss from eMdloti finished in fourth position.

The next and final stop of the Surfing South Africa 3A rated event series will take place in Port Alfred on 29 and 30 August and will be the final show-down of SA’s top surfers.