Less than a week till Saffas take on the World's best in Canaries
posted by Jonathan de Lauwere on 22nd November 2011
With less than a week to go until the South African National Bodyboarding Team 2011 sponsored by Reef Wetsuits and co sponsor Glider sunglasses departs for the infamous Canary Islands, excitement and nerves are at an all time high. The team of seven will travel to the island of ledgy, big hollow, crazy, ramping waves to take on the world's best at the ISA World Bodyboard Championships from 29 November to 4 December 2011.
Team:
Open Men: David Lilienfield & Jonathan Maritz
Under 18 Men: Storm Prestwich
DK Open: Dylan "DVT" van Tonder
Open Women: Janneke de Kock
Team Coach: Jonathan de Lauwere
Team Manager: Michael van Huyssteen
The last time South Africa represented bodyboarding was in Portugal in 2008 where rippers Sacha Specker and David Lee did our country extremely proud placing 4th & 5th overall respectively. Since then we haven't had a bodyboarding team compete but now we are back and ready to take on anything. Four of the divisions at this past year's SA Champs held at Big Bay were won by three of the SA team riders. Having the privilege and honor of travelling with the team this year I believe our riders have what it takes to do our country proud and to take top honors. Looking at each individual, they excel in their respective divisions and are going to let the world know this year in the Canary Islands that SA has amazing talent and there will be many more names joining the likes of Mark "Boetie Phillip" McCarthy and Jared Houston.
The team has been in full training mode since SA Champs preparing themselves for what's to come. The Canary Islands isn't for the faint hearted and to tackle the world's best at a spot like Fronton requires one to be mentally and physically at the top of their game. I caught up recently with the SA Team captain, shredder and all round nice guy Jonathan Maritz to find out what he's been doing to get his body in peak physical & mental condition and his thoughts on what's to come.
Jot: Howzit Johnny, I hope all is well your side and the training is going smoothly. First of all congrats on making the team & as well as being selected as Team Captain. It's a huge honour. How things going building up to this trip? Tell the folks reading this the emotions, excitement, nerves you might have building up to this awesome trip.
Johnny: Thank you to the team management for selecting me as the Captain it's a great honour and privilege to represent the team at the world champs. I am really amped for this trip and being selected to surf for South Africa is a dream come true. The build up to this trip has been exhilarating, trying to push myself in the water and working on my fitness (physically and mentally). I know the pressure will be on in the water, although I will have a great team supporting me to help face the challenges that may arise.
Jot: Being team captain, how do you reckon our team will do?
Johnny: We are definitely going to go for gold as we have the best riders in South Africa.
Jot: The level of bodyboarding these days is extremely high all around the world. Are there any specific countries out there that pose a bigger threat than others?
Johnny: I think there are few counties that will do well including the hosts; the Canary team and Australia. Then again, anything can happen in the competition. For instance, if you look at the Rugby World cup the best team on the day won the game. The way to put things in perspective is to focus on our own team's performance and constantly reassess the way forward throughout the competition.
Jot: Canary Islands ... Those pictures & footage of big gaping pits with gnarly ramp sections... As you've been there already, tell me is it as heavy as it looks and what are we in for?
Johnny: We are in for one of the best bodyboarding surf spots in the world, wedging reef with massive busting sections and extremely heavy barrels. The size of the waves can break anywhere between 2ft to 20ft and usually always has light offshore winds.
Jot: As for training, anything special you've been doing to prepare yourself for the conditions?
Johnny: Out of the water, I have been doing a combination of cardiovascular exercises from running, cycling, swimming, also, a bit of yoga and Pilates to help with flexibility and core strength. In the water, I have been pushing myself on heavier and bigger waves, especially reef breaks around Cape Peninsula.
Jot: Thanks for your time Johnny, congrats again and I'm looking very forward to travelling with you and helping the team bring home the silverware.
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The team will be departing on Thursday the 24th November at 10pm. We will be in the Canaries a few days prior to the comp, settling in, surfing the spots and preparing for the contest. We will be keeping regular updates building up to the comp and during the comp. Michael will also be filming while we there and will be posting some footage of the team in and out of the water.
If anyone would like to wish the team luck before and while we are there, please feel free to post on SABA's Facebook page.
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