Local duo stand-up for SA
The duo are the only Durban athletes on the South African team.
TWO local athletes have been chosen to represent South Africa at this year’s ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC) in Denmark. Jackie Fourie De Billot and Lande Williamson, will be taking part in various races at the championships which includes races in Copenhagen and Klitmøller, often referred to as Cold Hawaii.
De Billot will be competing in the 18 kilometre long distance race, the 200 metre sprint event as well as the technical race.
“It’s always special getting a national call-up. This is my second time representing SA at the world champs. I finished 11th last year in the long distance race, which to be honest, was a little disappointing. I’m definitely feeling more confident this year, I think the champs in Fiji were a valuable learning tool. I know how to pace myself this year. In the long distance race last year, I pushed too hard and burned out near the end which cost me,” she said.
Speaking of the events, De Billot, said each race requires a different skill set.
“For the 18 kilometre race, it’s all about pacing yourself. In South Africa we don’t race those kinds of distances, the longest we race is between 10 and 12 kilometres, so it’s going to be a really good challenge. The technical race requires a beach start, then paddling around a succession of buoys typically set-out in a triangular, W or V shape. You do various loops around it, the turning is quite difficult, especially with 12 foot boards. They are very cumbersome to turn, imagine around 20 other competitors all trying to make the same turn and that throws in another degree of difficulty. Ultimately both Lande and I want to make top 10 and just make Durban and the north proud,” she said.
Williamson, who is competing in the long distance and technical race has been on an incredible upward curve.
“I only started SUP about three years ago, so to get my first SA call-up is just incredible. The most rewarding thing about this sport is you notice how far you’ve progressed. Every race you do, you get stronger and stronger. I’m hoping to use this world champs as a learning experience, it’s going to be so exciting. If I can make top 10 that would be awesome. Jackie has been great, she always encouraging me and helping me on the more tactical aspects of the sport,” she said.
The duo are the only Durban athletes on the South African team.
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