Adaptive Surfer Similo Dlamini, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal is part of the team that has been selected to represent South Africa at the ISA World Para Surf Championships from the 4 -11 December in California.
For the first time, South Africa will be sending 14 para surfers (5 women and 9 men) to the ISA World Champs to be held at the Pismo Beach.
Dlamini is an Accountant by day and if she’s not crunching numbers in the office, chances are you’ll find her catching waves. She will be representing Team South Africa in the Para Surfing Kneel Division.
Earlier in the year, Dlamini was crowned champion in her division and that secured her a ticket to the USA.
gsport Writer Lonwabo Nkohla caught up with Dlamini before she leaves for the tournament.
Similo, thank you for chatting to us! Talk to us about this fascinating sport of Adaptive Surfing, kindly explain it to us.
Adaptive surfing allows for differently abled surfers to ride the waves according to their ability. There are different categories that accommodate abilities.
You surf in the Kneel division – what does that mean for the laymen?
I use an above the knee prosthesis and when I surf I take it off and kneel on the surf board and ride the waves.
Let’s go back to where it all started. How did you get into surfing?
I’m a water baby and I’ve been swimming since kindergarten. I’ve always been interested in surfing but the concern was around my prosthesis which isn’t waterproof. Made For More made it possible for me to surf without fear of my prosthesis being washed away.
You’ve competed in the Midmar and Dolphin Miles, which is impressive. What have been some more highlights in your sporting career?
KZN and South African Para-Surfing Champ 2022 women kneel division, A nomination at KZN Sports Awards 2022 for sportswoman with a disability. Probably the most significant will be going to the Para Surfing World Championships 2022 in Pismo Beach California, USA.
The World Para Surfing Championships are around the corner, have you qualified?
Yes, after having being crowned the SA Champ, I was selected to represent South Africa.
What have been some of the challenges in qualifying and in general?
The qualifying bit was difficult, as competition is tough but the most getting funds to be able to travel has been the most difficult and challenging part of it all.
To non-surfers, the sport appears to be one of the most intimidating of all the codes. To you what is the best thing about surfing?
As cliché as it might sound but being one with the ocean. The vastness of it somehow puts life into perspective.
The World Champs are coming next month. How are the preparations going?
Preparations have been going well. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the water. We’ve been having weekly team meetings where our coaches and fellow surfers share technical advice and special guest such a sports psychologist who assisted us in getting our minds competition ready.
When you aren’t surfing, what else occupies your time?
I’m an accountant by profession and work full-time. I enjoy and active, adventurous lifestyle so being in the or jumping off stadiums and mountains is also my thing.
The road to acquiring sponsorships, particularly for women, is always a tough one. Can you tell us about the challenges in that regard?
I think I’m in a double whammy; female Para-surfer as the sport is not widely recognised or supported and of course being a female. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most difficult; getting sponsorship is a solid 10. With less than 2 weeks to go we’re still engaging with KZN Sports to assist with flights.
Photo 1 Caption: Adaptive Surfer Similo Dlamini, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal is part of the team chosen to represent South Africa at the World Para Surf Championships from the 4-11 December in California, USA. Photo: Similo Dlamini (Facebook)
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