Review: 2013 South African Junior Surf team

The selection process for this team started back in November, when we reverted back the older system of regional trials, and then the top performers progressing through to the national trial, this system ensures we draw on the very best talent the country has to offer.

The National Junior Selection trial took place at Cape St Francis Beach break on the last weekend of January, difficult conditions ensured that only the crème of the crop rose to the top, and booked a spot in the 2013 national junior side.

This 12 strong team will jet off to Nicaragua in Central America in just over 2 months to compete in the 2013 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.

With the ISA including a u/16 Girls division at the championships for the first time in history, some of the younger talent had a shot at receiving their Protea Blazer.

Heading up the South African u/16 Girls side, is Warner Beach’s Chanelle Botha (yes, she is my sister), Chanelle will earn her second cap as a Protea surfer, competing last year in the u/18 girls division, now a year down the line, Chanelle is far more experienced, and is hungry to do her country proud in Nicaragua.

Anoush Zakarian of Melkbos, takes the second slot in the u/16 girl’s side, and will earn her first cap as a national surfer, this talented goofy footer from the Cape has been knocking on the door for quite some time and it only seems fitting that she fly’s the SA Flag at worlds this year.

Matt Mc Gillivray, will earn his second cap, and although he has been battling with a ankle injury, will no doubt make a big impression on the world junior stage, based on his performances in the back half of 2012 and his determination that has become his trade mark.

New Cap Jordy Maree, the powerful goofy footer from Kalk Bay, as well as 2012 National junior team member with new cap and Balito boy Shayne Sykes rounding of a very strong u/16 boys side.

Jeffrey’s Bay’s Gina Smith, who gained entry into the SA Junior team by winning the u/17 division at the 2012 Hurley SA Junior Champs, heads up the u/18 girls side , with probably the most improved junior girl in the country and 2012 SA Junior Team member Nicole Pallet to back her.

Benji Brand, a seasoned competitor, who earns his third cap, also qualified for the team by taking out the 2012 u/17 SA Title at the Hurley SA Junior Champs last year, he is grouped with Dylan Lightfoot, former silver medalist and local powerhouse of Jeffery’s Bay, as well as Amanzimtoti’s Josh Smit who was on blistering form at both the national and regional trials, and brother of u/16 Girl Anoush, Diran Zakarian will finish up an exceptional u/18 boys side.

The team management , includes Surfing South Africa Vice President Jonny Bakker who will manage the team along side coaching legend Graham Hynes who will be assisted by 1978 ISA World Champ himself Ant Brodowicz . 

With just over 2 months to go we hope to see the team under go some serious high performance national camps, to ensure each and every team member is at top of their game.

The team ratio was 7 new caps to 5 previous SA team members in 2012 to a team of 8 former SA Junior team members to just 4 new caps this year, so the team is far more experienced these and looking to get back on the podium where they belong.

Having watched these kids from the judging tower over the past 5 I have all the confidence in the strength of this team, and their ability to bring a host of silverware back to the South African shores.

Wade Botha