Right now some of South Africa’s best senior surfers are in Costa Rica for the ISA World Surfing Games. The likes of Shane Sykes, Dylan Lightfoot, Matthew McGillivray, Jordy Maree, Faye Zoetmaulder and Tanika Hoffman have joined 136 athletes from 25 different nations for a chance to claim the gold, for themselves and for the team.
Team Costa Rica are the defending champs but in 2013 Team SA proved that they can win this thing and are once again are in fierce contention. Yesterday, 7 August, saw Day 1 of the competition held in some fun sized, contestable conditions. KZN local, Shane Sykes, started strong for the South Africans with his heat win. Dylan Lightfoot (J-Bay) and Jordy Maree (CT), came 3rd and 4th respectively and will get another shot in the repechage rounds. Matt McGillivray finished things strong by coming 2nd and advancing to the second Main Round of Competition.
There is much hype surrounding the event, given surfing’s recent inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, an act that was spearheaded by ISA president, Fernando Aguerre. This year’s World Games gives us a glimpse into the Olympic surfing future. And it’s looking lukka bright!
Today is Day 2 and kicks off with Main Event Round 2 for the men, followed by Main Event Round 1 for the women. Follow the ISA World Surfing Games live HERE
*Lead Image: Matthew McGillivray. Image © ISA / Evan