Top junior surfers ready for J-Bay

TALENTED Port Elizabeth junior surfer Alex van Rijswijck is ready to take on South Africa's best at the RVCA Junior Challenge in Jeffreys Bay early next month.

The second edition of the junior challenge takes place from May 2-4 at Lower Point.

The perfect waves synonymous with Jeffreys Bay will be the canvas for Van Rijswijck to showcase his skills and talent and have three days of fun in the process.

"We're obviously very excited to bring this event back to Jeffreys Bay," RVCA South Africa's Arno Lane said. "Apart from all the highaction surfing that goes down, there is such a great vibe down here at the Lower Point, and all the kids hang out and have such a cool weekend."

The event will feature boys' under-10, U12, U14, U16 and U20 and girls' U14 and U20 divisions.

Van Rijswijck will compete in the hotly contested U16 division.

The young Port Elizabeth regularfoot (surfs with his left foot forward) is no stranger to the long winding waves of Jeffreys Bay and is a regular face in the Lower Point lineup. He will be looking to put that local knowledge, his smooth style and trademark down-the-line speed to good use next month.

The RVCA Junior Surfing contest is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa and carries a 2 Star PST (Professional Surf Tour) status.

"Surfing South Africa is stoked to once again be sanctioning and supporting the RVCA Junior Contest in Jeffreys Bay this year," Surfing SA general manager Robin de Kock said. "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 they also give up-and- coming surfers the chance to perform on a national stage.

"In addition, Lower Point in J-Bay is where it will all happen. Top surfers, newcomers, an iconic venue – this contest has it all.

"In every respect the RVCA Junior contest ticks all the boxes."