South African Nationals 2016

Nationals was held quite a bit earlier this year than usual. It took place this past weekend (19th-20th March) at StokeCity Wakepark in Johannesburg. I flew up from Cape Town a few days early to do some training at StokeCity. The cable is much lower than our cable in Cape Town. They had been having loads of rain so the cable was even lower usual. Most of us were struggling with our air tricks. The one thing I always look forward to when coming here is their kickers! I always have so much fun on them.

My brothers and I spent most of our week at the cable. As the days went on, we started getting the feel of the cable better. On Thursday, the weather was grim. It was raining and cold but the wind wasn't blowing so we were keen to get our shred on. When we arrived at the cable, the water level was even higher! The rain had been so persistent. Only the Cape Town homies were there and we got ourselves amped to ride. It was fun riding together with everyone helping each other out.

Saturday was qualifiers which started around 9.30. Unfortunately my run didn't go according to plan. I fell twice and came last in my division which meant I was first off the dock in the finals on Sunday. We got to do some free riding on Saturday afternoon once the qualifiers were over. After free riding it was time for Ticket2Ride. Ticket2Ride is a kicker contest where 8 invited riders go head to head against each other. Two of the invited riders were international guys- Nick Davies and Raph Derome. It was a sick event to watch. The guys were going huuuge off the kicker. The winner was surprisingly a South African, Jacques Labuschagne, with the international riders coming 2nd and 3rd.

Sunday was finals day. I was pretty nervous, considering how it went in qualifiers. I was first off the dock which took some pressure off  me for sure! I stuck my first run and then managed to step it up a little in my second run. I was really chuffed with my riding. The level in the Ladies division was the highest I've seen in South Africa! This was really good to see, and all of us were pushing each other. Stoked to say that I'm the 2016 SA CHAMP! Well done Megan on 2nd and Mardi on 3rd. It was awesome riding with you ladies! Also, congrats to my brother, Jason, on claiming 3rd place in Open Men! Without his coaching and support, I wouldn't be where I am. What a legend! Massive thanks to Roxy for sponsoring some amazing prizes for the Ladies division <3 It was a fun weekend with the best crew. Always a treat seeing everyone!

I'm spending the rest of the week in Jhb with my family. Its time to hit the books hard before tests start next week. Hopefully I'll get one more day of riding in at StokeCity before I head back to Cape Town. Until next time xx