Kayla selected for SA after Ballito Pro triumph
The uMhlanga surfer is currently ranked 98th in the world.
THERE are not enough superlatives to describe Kayla Nogueira’s performances at this year’s Ballito Pro presented by Billabong. Not only did the youngster win the U16 title but she also qualified for the South African team for the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championship in Japan later this year.
The 13-year-old also continued to add to her title of rising star as she surfed her way to the quarterfinals of the open women’s category.
The uMhlanga surfer is currently ranked 98th in the world.
“I needed a 7.2 on my last wave to secure first position and I got a nine point ride. I kept thinking don’t fall, all I wanted was to make the South African team. I was so stoked winning the U16 title. It’s a proud moment for me being selected for the SA team for the world championships in Japan, it will be my first international competition. My goal was to make the team and I have been giving my all in training and surfing to achieve and earn my spot so it’s a dream come true,” she said.
Speaking on her top five finish in the open women’s division, Kayla had this to say: “I must admit even though I made top five in the women’s division I felt I could have done better. It was a proud moment for me and Nicole Pallet, who were the only two South African women left in the top five of the competition,” she said.
Nogueira is trying to raise the required R43 000 to finance her trip to the world championship and has set up a crowdfunding page. If you would like to contribute visit this site.
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