A handful of girls and boys from the Surfers Not Street Children organisation in Durban were afforded the opportunity to compete in the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers and for some, it was their first time competing in a World Surf League Junior Qualifying Series event.
Ziphozonke Mseleku - WSL / Pierre Tostee
"We're absolutely stoked to have kids from our program surfing in the Ballito Pro JQS event, it's a huge opportunity," said Tom Hewitt MBE, Surfers Not Street Children CEO. "Not only does it give the children a chance to shine on the world stage, but it allows other children in our program, and children across Southern Africa to be inspired and to see what is possible through the transformative power of surfing. We are extremely grateful for our partnership with WSL."
Gordon Falangile - WSL / Pierre Tostee
In the women's division, Indiphile Osinachi and Nokwanda Memela have competed in a JQS before, while Ziphozonke Mseleku made her debut. In the men's division, Gordon Falangale, Sbusiso Ngiba and Sihle Shoba got their first taste of a professional surfing competition at this level and were stoked to compete in Ballito.
It was a big day for the youngsters, who experienced what it's like to compete against their peers. When an opportunity like this comes around, the result doesn't matter, but instead the lessons learned and the memories made.
To find out more about Surfers Not Street Children, visit https://www.surfnotstreets.org/