Davey has target on his back
Durban surfer Davey van Zyl is primed and ready to get his board wet as he prepares to take to the waters of Pollok Beach in the Nelson Mandela Bay Surf Pro starting on Thursday.
As the first stop of the fourevent City Surf Series, the Nelson Mandela Bay Pro will see Van Zyl, 26, return with a target on his back as he looks to successfully defend the title he won in 2018.
The event, which is part of the World Surf League Africa Tour, will see the cream of the surfing fraternity take to the Bay’s waters as they vie for the respective men’s and women’s titles come Saturday afternoon.
Van Zyl was in sublime form as he powered his way to victory in the men’s Qualifying Series event in 2018.
He put on a masterclass to overcome Adin Masencamp to claim the title.
Fast forward to 2019 and Van Zyl will enter the water as the man to beat with the field of top South African and international surfers aiming to dethrone him.
Speaking ahead of the opening heats, Van Zyl said: “It was my first QS event win ever, so it was a big thing for me.
“Usually the swell in PE is quite small but last year we got some really fun waves for the event.
“But overall it was such a cool vibe, the supporters on the beach were amazing and the beachgoers gave advice about the swell.”
He said he felt pretty good and did not want to put too much expectation on himself.
“Being a defending champion is a new feeling for me so I will not approach it any differently to how I approach other competitions.
“Of course, you don’t want someone coming from another country and taking the title away from the local guys so it will definitely add fire to competition,” Van Zyl said.
Meanwhile, East London’s Zoe Steyn 15, the youngest national women’s surfing champion, will be another one to watch as she goes in search of the women’s JQS and QS titles.
With 2018 JQS and QS champion Kai Woolf not part of the field in 2019, Steyn said it could be a lot more difficult with the many talented SA and international surfers on show.
“I think I got to the semifinals last year. It was also my first time competing in the QS event so it was really nice for me,” Zoe said.
She said the strong international group would give the locals a run for their money.
“Obviously, there are a few internationals who are very strong. So it’s really cool to see their level of surfing and push ourselves even harder.”
Zoe said her approach would be to stick to her normal routine, spending time with her coaches and studying conditions before going out to get the best possible advantage.
Edward Gregory, from Accelerate Sport, said it was great to be back in the Bay and reiterated his team’s readiness to host another successful event.
“Nelson Mandela Bay has always welcomed us with open arms, but mainly the waves are always here.
“Pipe is a very consistent competition venue, which the surfers enjoy.”
Surfing SA president Johnny Bakker said it was a feather in the city’s cap to have the event come back for another year.