Kayla surfs to uMhlanga surf fest victory
Local surfer caps off outstanding performance at surf fest with U14 title.
MORE than 100 surfers took part in the recent Lizzard Hurricane Summer Surf competition that formed part of the Umhlanga Summer Festival. One of the standouts of the competition was Durban North surfer, Kayla Nogueira who was crowned champ in the U14 competition.
What’s more the 12-year-old also finished an impressive second in the U18 division. If that wasn’t enough, the goofy-footer also won a custom surfboard for the best all-round performance.
“My goal was to win but I was really stoked when they announced the winners. The waves weren’t that big and there was a strong sidewash, I just used the ocean to my advantage. I was very pleased with my performances because I faced some strong competition from some of the other girls in my age group,” she said.
Nogueira’s win came on the back of some impressive performances, which included coming third at the SA Champs in the U13 division as well as winning the U13 Billabong Grom Games.
She is now hoping to be selected for the SA squad for the upcoming ISA World Junior Surf competition in Portugal.
“I would love to represent South Africa, that’s my ultimate dream, but I’ve got to work really hard this year and impress the judges at the upcoming trails.”
