BILLY Tennant has secured his name among the legends in the world of flowboarding. He is a six time world pro-body boarding champ and a three time drop knee champ. What’s more, the former Northwood School pupil, has become the first athlete in the world to win both divisions back-to-back. In July last year, the 30-year-old also made history by becoming the first North Durban athlete finish in the top three at the US Open of Flowboarding, where he nabbed a silver medal.
Tennant has also proved his sporting aptitude on much firmer ground, in 2001 he was selected for the South African ice hockey team, as a non travelling reserve.
Northglen News recently caught up with the Sunningdale resident to find out where it all began.
“I was a bodyboarder, and a bunch of mates and I would go down to the beach everyday after school to catch some waves. Every moment I could I’d be out on the waves. I think as the years went on, the sport went through cycles where it waned and then made a comeback. When the WaveHouse was introduced at Gateway I took to the sport of flowboarding like a duck to water.
“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.
While the sport is known for its epic tricks and the occasional wipeout, Tennant recalled his most ‘gnarly’ moment on the circuit.
“It was back in 2007, I had tried to do a double front flip and I landed badly and ended up breaking my right shoulder. I was out for about six to eight weeks and was only fully fit five months down the line. But in this sport you have to deal with the cards you are dealt. I was determined to get back on the waves and the rest as they say is history,” he said.
In December last year the 30-year-old made history winning his third back-to-back flowboarding world title. His success on the waves has inspired him to aim for 11 world titles like the surfing great, Kelly Slater.
“Winning last year was a dream come true. It was always a goal of mine to win three successive titles, to have six, is amazing, but I’d love to aim for 11. That would be fantastic. I want to be the first South African to hit the magic mark.”
My Favourites
Fave sports to watch: “Rugby.”
Fave food/cuisine: “Italian, Pasta with anything on top.”
Fave TV shows/channels: “I would have to say Suits.”
Fave musician/band: “That’s a tough one, but probably Linkin Park.”
Fave quote: “Support those who support you.”
Homegrown Sports Talent (HST)
Silver Fox still silky smooth on the waves (HST 1)
Cristiano’s ignition is powered by passion (HST 2)
uMhlanga’s most decorated athlete (HST 3)
Billy raises the CrossFit bar (HST 4)
Frances sets sail to new heights (HST 5)
Henri’s traithlon dreams on track (HST 6)
