Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club’s Tyne van Achterbergh has enjoyed a successful year in the ocean, and he will now represent the South African Junior Surf Lifesaving team at the World Championships at Kurrawa Beach, Australia, at the end of August.
Tyne’s season has been a long one, as he competed (with excellent results) for the SA Junior team in the USA last September. After a short break, he focussed on preparing for the 2024 Inter-club and Provincial Championships.
His recent winning spree started early in summer and continued with many highlights.
His crowning glory was when he became the National Senior Surf Swim Champion at the SA Championships, which was held in Durban last April – this while he was still a Junior.
Tyne grew up in Scottburgh and learnt his skills on the local beach. His father Mark, besides getting him to training every day, is always by his side to motivate and encourage him in everything that he does.
Fortunately, Tyne has also had excellent guidance from previous champions such as Dean Marais, Russell and Carmel Sadler, as well as Keith and Steven Jones.
At world champs, Tyne will be focussing on the Surf Swim, Iron Man and hopefully, the Board Rescue event with one of his teammates.
He has no illusions about the fact that he will be up against the best that the surf lifesaving teams in the world can offer.
To prepare for these tough events, Tyne starts his day at 05:00 with a 3000m swimming training session in the pool three times a week and two gym sessions, where he trains to improve his stamina and muscle endurance.
In the afternoons, Tyne spends every free moment on his board in the surf as he believes that he needs to ride as many waves as possible in all sorts of conditions, to be the best in the world in his chosen events.
“My goal for the future is to continue racing as nothing compares to being on the start line with other world-class competitors,” he said.
These international and local events are self-funded, which has placed huge financial pressure on Tyne’s family.
The family is grateful to those who have generously contributed towards his travelling expenses in past seasons.
Businesses or individuals who would like to donate should contact the Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club Secretary, Morgane Gardner on secretary.sslckzn@gmail.com
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