Billy flows to second at US Open

PRO-FLOWBOARDERS from around the globe recently took to San Diego’s Wave House (Belmont Park) for the US Open of Flowboarding which saw Sunningdale’s Billy Tenant take second position. In November last year, the 29-year-old secured two world titles at the World Flowboarding Championships; in the process becoming the first South African and first from the continent to win the honour of being a double world champion.

Now he has entered the history books, becoming the first flowboarder from Sunningdale to clinch a top three podium finish at the US Open. The former Northwood School pupil was stoked with his results saying the competition was ideal preparation for the world champs in November.

“I was incredibly honoured when I was invited to the US Open. I haven’t been to an event in the USA in four years and I thought what better way to mark my return with a podium finish. I was very pleased with second place, obviously I wanted to win but it was not to be,” Billy said.

His final place was a combination of his pro bodyboarding and drop knee, two disciplines of bodyboarding flowboarding.

“This was ideal and great preparation for the world champs. The competition is extremely competitive and each course on the world circuit offers a different challenge. For me, Belmont Park, offers one of the best rides on the international circuit, its shape conforms to the original wave houses built,” he said.

Tennant began his Flowboarding safari at the WaveHouse at Gateway and said the bug bit immediately.

“The first time I rode the waves, I was 17 and I can’t say what in particular grabbed me but I just couldn’t walk away from the sport. It’s truly a versatile sport for all ages. I began to enter local competitions and in 2002 I won my first competition. The rest as they say is history,” he exclaimed