South African Para Surfing team to make waves at The World Para Surf Championships in California

Picture above: Noluthando and her Support team competing at SA Para Surf Championships, KZN 2022 Photo Credit Scott Mitchel

For the FIRST time South Africa will be sending 14 para surfers (9 male and 5 female) to the World Para Surf Championships to be held at Pismo Beach, California from 4-11 December 2022.

Speaking about the athletes, who have earned a top spot at this year’s Championship, 9 x South African surfing champion and SA Para Surfing Head Coach, Roxy Davis said:

“Surfing is my medicine. It remains a privilege to share para surfing and surf therapy with thousands of surfers with disabilities and volunteers across the Western Cape through a formalised Para Surfing Programme that started in 2016.”

Noluthando preparing her muscles, relaxing into her wetsuit and focusing on the surf session ahead, Surfers Corner © Roxy Davis Foundation

“There are a particular group of surfers who, no matter their (dis)ability, come down to the beach, adapt, excel” – says Roxy

 

Meet the incredible Para Surfers:

Raemondo Lessing (WC), Noluthando Makalima (WC), Michele Macfarlane (WC), Caleb Swanepoel (WC), James Sinclair (KZN), Similo Dlamini (KZN), David Williams (KZN), Doug Hendrikz (KZN), Martin Ferreira (GP), Tracy McKay (KZN), Alulutho Tshoba (KZN), Oliver Sinclair (KZN), Asande Sibisi (KZN), Sabelo Ngema (KZN) and Jean Paul Veaudry (EC).

“Our athletes have shown hard work, bravery and commitment and now have the opportunity to fly the South African flag proudly as they tackle the WORLD’S biggest para surfing competition. This group of diverse and differently-abled sportsmen and women proudly represent everything South Africa stands for.” – says Roxy

Pictured above: Surf Therapy, Surfers Corner Muizenberg Photo credit © Roxy Davis foundation

Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy:

The team, who will be accompanied and supported on the ground and in the water by five team coaches and a team physiotherapist from South Africa, have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing for support to make their dream a reality.

Since the launch of the campaign, more than R680 000 has been raised towards their fundraising target of R1,019,000. 

 

MEET RAEMONDO 

Raemondo Lessing (15) a quadruple amputee from Khayelitsha, who uses prosthetic legs for mobility and requires the support of a chaperone for his trip. He will be competing  in the Men’s Prone 2 (assisted) division.

 

MEET NOLUTHANDO 

Noluthando Makalima (35) who has Cerebral Palsy and also lives in Khayelitsha, utilises a wheelchair and  crutch and will require the support of a chaperone for her trip. She will be competing in the Women’s Prone 2 (assisted) division. Noluthando previously placed second at the World Para Surfing Championships in California in 2020.

 

 

All funds raised will be allocated to the following costs per athlete:

• Flights and assisted airport transfers R25,000, Subsistence R6,000, Ability friendly accommodation R13,000, Entry and Classification Fees R6,000 and Visa R2,750. 
• Total cost per athlete: R52,750 (team total cost of R738,500)
• Total cost per athlete support team member (coaching, chaperone and management team): R46,750 each (support team total cost of R280,500)

Raemondo, core activation, balance and posture strengthening session

“In 2020 the SA team came 6th out of 22 countries and brought home 4 medals. After missing 2021 (due to the Pandemic), team South Africa 2022 are eager to get out there and show the world their skills and win Para Surfing medals for South Africa!” – says Roxy

Support this campaign on BackaBuddy:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/south-africa-para-surf-team

Alternatively, donate Via Snapscan:

https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/RoxyDavisFoundationNPC