Sunshine and positivity were abundant at Addington Beach during the recent KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Para Surfing Championship which saw a few local names compete at the highly anticipated event.
At least 34 athletes of varied ages and handicaps took part in the championship hosted by Made For More (MFM), a sport, mental health and disability non-profit organisation. Natasha Siebert, a Winkelspruit local who competed in the Prone Assisted Division, said the day could have not been better organised or more memorable. “Nearly everyone faces hardships and difficulties at one time or another. But for people with disabilities, environmental barriers and accessibility issues are more frequent with greater impact. This was my first KZN champs and I came second in my division.” The MFM team explained that para, or adaptive surfing is an altered form of the sport which allows people with disabilities to take to the waves. After a tragic event which left her paralysed, Siebert knew that she needed to put herself first and appreciate every opportunity.
“After spending a year at home thinking ‘what is there for me to do’ I discovered MFM in 2019.” Since then she has boldly trained on a monthly basis at the beach, learning the surfing basics and how to manoeuvre given her capabilities. “None of this would be possible without volunteers and sponsors who I thank and appreciate. Accessibility can still be a nightmare for many of us, and something I took for granted in the past but never do these days.” Siebert said events such as these empower, educate and change the ‘disability’ narrative of being dependent and weak, something she believes will change given time and exposure. Julia Morris, founder of Made for More, said, “We had perfect weather, sea conditions and a beautiful group of people coming together. I think the joy, the freedom and the hope was tangible and written all over the surfers’ faces.” Other notable athletes on the day were Tracy McKay and Anthony Eastwood from the Bluff, Nathaniel Naidoo from Merebank and Storm Swartz from Doonside. MFM and the Para Surfing Community will be preparing for the South African Para Surfing Championships between 28 and 30 May at New Pier, Durban, where they expect an even larger turnout as more people with disabilities seek growth, accessibility and recognition for their province and selves.
