Warner Beach bodyboarder secures the South African title
The 17-year-old fought her way to victory in the ladies' division of the SA Bodyboarding Championships.
CAITLIN Steenkamp (17) has been named the country’s number-one female bodyboarder after her win at the South African Bodyboarding Championships.
The Warner Beach resident, who is home-schooled, received first place at the competition, which was recently held at Onrus Beach in Hermanus.
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“It was an amazing experience and result. This was the third year I’ve taken part. In the first, I won the girls’ title, and in the second, I secured third place in the ladies’ division,” she said.
Caitlin said the organisers did great work preparing the event after severe storms had littered the beach with debris. While the weather was initially in her favour, it deteriorated as the competition progressed. “The wind was howling, and the water was ice-cold,” she said.
In preparation for this competition, and knowing what to expect, Caitlin put the focus on enhancing her physical and mental fitness. The judging criteria included executing clean manoeuvres, especially in sizable waves, and demonstrating overall wave-riding abilities. She went up against five other women.
Caitlin said, “Now that I know I’ve got what it takes, my goal for the future is to compete on an international level. I’ve been bodyboarding for five years now.”
Despite the sport being male-dominated, she remains committed to proving herself. Outside of bodyboarding, she enjoys skateboarding and the outdoors.
Caitlin expressed her gratitude to her parents, sponsors and the community members who supported her by donating funds at the Doonside intersection, making her dreams a reality.
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