St Francis Bay surfer Crystal Hulett is set to take on SA’s best at the RVCA Junior Challenge in Jeffreys Bay in early May.
The second edition of the RVCA Junior Surfing Challenge will run from 2-4 May at Lower Point. The perfect waves, synonymous with Jeffreys Bay, will be the canvas for Hulett to showcase her skills and talent and have three days of fun in the process.
“We’re excited to bring this event back to Jeffreys Bay,” says RVCA South Africa’s Arno Lane. “Apart from all the high action surfing that goes down, there is such a great vibe down here at the Lower Point. All the kids hang out here and have such a cool weekend.”
The event will feature boys U10, U12, U14, U16, U20, and, girls U14 and U20 divisions. Hulett will compete in the hotly contested U20 division, her first year in this age group.
Competing against girls much older than her doesn’t phase this experienced competitor though. “I’m aiming for higher results this year,” she commented. “I don’t think age matters and I’m excited to see where this will take me.”
The smooth regularfoot is no stranger to Lower Point where she won the SA U15 title in 2012 and finished third in 2013. Hulett has been putting in training hours with coach Graham Hynes to ensure she can get the most out of each wave. She has her top-to-bottom attack ready for the event.
The RVCA Junior Surfing Contest is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa and carries a 2 Star PST (Professional Surf Tour). Surfing South Africa is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), and recognised by the Dept. of Sport and Recreation as the national controlling body for surfing.
“Surfing South Africa is stoked to once again be sanctioning and supporting the RVCA Junior Contest in Jeffrey’s Bay this year,” says Surfing South Africa General Manager, Robin De Kock. “Last year’s inaugural event was a massive success and the 2014 edition looks set to be even bigger.
“Junior surf contests are the lifeblood of our sport. Not only do they give a platform to South Africa’s most talented boys and girls across five age groups but also gives up and coming surfers the chance to perform on a national stage.
“Lower Point in J-Bay is where it will all happen. Top surfers, newcomers and an iconic venue – this contest has it all! In every respect the RVCA Junior contest ticks all the boxes.”
While competing for honours in the various divisions is the main aim of the contest, the gathering of the country’s top junior riders is also a great excuse to have a fun long weekend at the beach. “There will be loads of activities and things to do,” adds Lane. “We’re looking at having a RVCA-style party with some live bands down here as well.”
In addition there will also be a Nixon Weird Board contest. Eight surfboard shapers from around the country have been tasked with shaping a weird board to be surfed off by the junior surfers in a fun mini-event during the main event. Some of the shapers contributing include J-Bay’s Thys Strydom and Glen D’Arcy, Eric Stedman from Cape St Francis and Simon Fish.
(edited)
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