Ashtan Davids, from Muizenberg, brought home silver at the 2018 SA Adaptive Surf Championships held in Durban.
The championships took place on Sunday August 5, at Durban’s North Beach.
Ashtan, 20, represented Western Province in the Adapted Surfing prone assist division, ending up with second place and a shining silver.
Ashtan says he is beyond stoked and wants the sport to become even more inclusive to boys and girls of any skill level and age.
“A huge shout to my coach and sister, Megan Cross, coach Nathaniel Stemmet and to the Durban Lifeguards and Sisonke Surf
Club for working with me in the water.
“Surfing has been the best form of therapy for me.
“I hope that seeing me represent my province and placing second, inspires others to
never give up, and keep doing what they love regardless of the difficulties life throws our way.”
Megan says the first heat was very challenging with the high tide and a strong back wash, but Ashtan pulled through, catching some brilliant waves and high scores in the two heats that followed.
“It was a day filled with the warm climate and waters for our
localMuizenbergrainbow legends,” she says. “Each of them were examples of showcasing the talents of people who have what we call differbilities; different abilities not disabilities.”
In another highlight for the SA Adaptive Surf Champs, 11-year-old Derrick Mboyise, who is on
the autism spectrum, took the prize for riding the longest wave in the expression session.
“I loved surfing in the expression session. Durban has warm water,” says Derrick.
Megan says they are now waiting for the announcement of the South African team that will compete at the Stance International Adaptive Surfing Championships in La Jolla Shores, in San Diego, California, this December.