Making waves: Tracy McKay’s surf-sational gold
Para surfer Tracy McKay continues to raise The Bluff flag high as she earns gold at the South African Para Surfing Championships.
TRACY McKay, a para surfer from The Bluff, has achieved another milestone in her athletic career by securing the gold medal in the Prone 1 unassisted division at the South African Para Surfing Championships recently.
Also read: Bluff para surfer claims spot on world champion podium
Sponsored by Sea Harvest and organised by Surfing South Africa, the event was held in Muizenberg, Cape Town. McKay’s victory is particularly gratifying given her initial concerns about the competition’s location. “I was worried about Muizenberg as last year’s conditions were terrible all weekend,” she shared. “I thought I would face the same challenges this year, but Muizenberg pleasantly surprised me.”
Although Saturday’s conditions were reminiscent of last year’s turbulent waves, which McKay likened to ‘a washing machine’, she managed a score of 7. Her hopes were revived after a reassuring chat with a manager at the reef shop, who predicted better waves on Sunday. “Sunday brought perfect conditions,” McKay recalled. “Although I only caught two waves, I scored a total of 11.43, significantly boosting my overall score.”
McKay’s strategy of concentrating on two quality waves proved effective. Despite the time-consuming paddle to the backline, she knew it was the optimal spot for open-faced waves. “Some thought I was crazy to focus on just two waves, but it paid off,” she said.
The championship weekend was not without its dramatic moments. “Heats went smoothly except for Sunday when the shark alarm went off,” McKay added. “I’m glad I had finished my event by then. Competing after that would have been unimaginable.”
The event was also a time for connection and camaraderie. “It was wonderful to reconnect with the crew from across South Africa and meet new faces. It felt like no time had passed,” McKay reflected.
Now, McKay eagerly awaits the announcement of the South African Para Surfing Team selection for the ISA Para Surfing Championships in November at Huntington Beach, California. Her stellar performance in Muizenberg has undoubtedly bolstered her prospects.
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