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Going for Gold at the Wedge Classic 2008

posted by Gareth White on 25th June 2008

Seventeen year old Christopher "Chrizzle" Elliott, from Hout Bay, hopes to carve his name into the history books by claiming his first South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) title in the Juniors division at The Wedge Classic 2008.

The contest, which will take place in Plettenberg Bay, 8 - 12 July, is the last stop on this years SABA tour and is proudly brought to you by FNB, Robberg Fine Foods, Reef Wetsuits, Science Bodyboards and Pam Golding Properties.

The Wedge Classic is one of the countries most anticipated events and usually attracts more than 200 participants. If Elliott claims the title he will join an elite list of South African bodyboarders who have won this award in this increasingly competitive division. The Juniors division plays host to South Africa's up and coming bodyboarders between the ages of 15 -17 years old and is considered as the testing ground for young riders hoping to one day compete against their hero's in the Pro division.

In order to win the SABA Juniors title Elliot has been competing in a series of SABA endorsed bodyboarding contests held at various beaches along the South African coast. His campaign got off to a good start when he claimed his first ever win in a SABA contest at the Sport Unlimited Cape Classic, which was held in Cape Town earlier this year. Hard work and determination seems to have paid off for Elliott and he went on to cement himself at the top of the SABA rankings with a second place at the Wimpy-Rossi Pro-AM, which was held in Margate during May.

"I don't feel like I have surfed to the best of my ability in previous years so I have dedicated a lot of this year strictly to developing my bodyboarding and to establish myself as a progressive rider both in Cape Town and South Africa", added Elliott.

No stranger to tough competition, Elliott's riding is of such a calibre that he also competes in the Pro division at SABA contests against renowned riders like Alistair Taylor, Sacha Specker and Derek Footit.

"Competing in the Pro division helps me develop my contest skills and my mental approach to bodyboarding. I can openly say that the tiny bit of success I have had this year can be attributed to my losses, especially in the Pro division" commented Elliott on the advantages of competing with the Pro's from such a young age.

Although Elliott's lead in the rankings is a substantial one he will have to be wary of threats from fellow competitors like Iain Campbell, Terence Pieters, Aden Kleve and Dane Beales who, according to Elliott, all have the ability to perform well and win contests.

"There is a lot of sacrifice and commitment involved with competing at this level. For inspiration I look towards those who succeed continuously. Guys like Sacha Specker and Derek Footit really inspire me to perform to the best of my ability", concluded Elliott.


2008 SABA Junior Division Rankings
Christopher Elliott profile

2008 SABA Rankings

The Wedge Classic 2008 is proudly brought to you by FNB, Robberg Fine Foods, Reef Wetsuits, Science Bodyboards and Pam Golding Properties in association with Offthehook seafood café, The Surf Shop, Surf Café and Flashbacks.

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