Durban surfer Beyrick De Vries says he is looking forward to competing with top surfers in the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime Mr Price Pro Ballito from 30 June – 6 July.
De Vries, who is hoping to emulate fellow Durban surfers Jordy Smith and Travis Logie by shining on the world stage, believes the Mr Price Pro is an important event on the calendar.
“It is such a blessing for the South African surfers to have an event like the Mr Price Pro Ballito in our country,” De Vries said. “The event offers double the prize money and ratings points of other star-rated Qualifying Series stops, so it’s a real foot in the door for those of us wanting to make it on the international stage.”
Rated 28th on the ASP World rankings, De Vries has climbed almost 100 places up the ratings ladder since this time last year, making him a firm favourite to not only bring the trophy back to South Africa but also gain further ground towards qualifying for the 2015 ASP World Tour.
“The Mr Price Pro is really important for me to further my rankings,” he said. “Last year I reached the Round of 16 here and after a disappointing result in Mexico this week (he was eliminated in round two); I will be looking to make up some lost ground at this event.”
De Vries believes that competing in Ballito, which is just 20 minutes away from his home, will be a refreshing advantage compared to travelling to unknown territory.
“I can’t even explain how much of an impact competing at home has on your surfing. It’s the opportunity to compete without the stress of travel, jet lag or finding the right nutrition and all the other factors you have worry about when you are overseas.
“I surf the way I am feeling and, at the end of the day, it all comes down to confidence, that’s how my surfing comes out. I perform my best when the stress is off.
“It is epic to have the world’s best surfers in Ballito because I know how fun home is, how good the waves are and how rich the culture is. They love Ballito, and it’s great to have one of their favourite destinations be the one you call home.
“I will not rest until I win the Mr Price Pro Ballito – this is the event I have my heart set on.”
