My father is an avid surfer who introduced me to the sport at a young age, and the freedom he felt in the ocean had a big impact on me. He faced challenges pursuing the sport, since it was historically reserved for white South Africans and beaches were segregated until 1989. Despite the obstacles he faced, my father never lost his love for the ocean and its power to heal. In 2018 I became the first Black South African surfer to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour, an elite professional competition. My parents being so proud of who they are makes me feel proud, too, and I work to continue that legacy.

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Persons: he’d, He’d Organizations: Black, Surf Locations: South Africa, Cape Town