AT the age of 64, and with no competition experience under his beltless baggies, Richards Bay surfer Ray Harris stunned the crowd when he easily posted the top score in the inaugural heat of the Over 60 Division of the Citroen SA Masters Champs yesterday (Thursday).
Nick-named ‘Stingray’, it’s his first appearance at any championship – his previous entry limited to twice contesting successfully in recent trials for a place on the uThungulu Surfriding team for the SA’s, currently being held at Alkantstrand.
Surfing like a seasoned professional, Ray rode solidly on wave after wave in his Thursday heat to build a big winning margin over the remaining trio, much to the raucous delight of a packed beach audience.
As he left the water to popular and well-deserved acclaim, supporters formed a tunnel to salute a new hero on the surfing scene.
And ‘Stingray’ was then humble enough to sit through an impromptu coaching lesson from local guru Fred le Roux, who advised on how he could have squeezed out a few more decimal points at the conclusion of each ride.
All eyes will be on the new local hero as he contests the finals over the weekend.
Go, Stingray!
See more on the Citroen SA Surfing Champs HERE
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