SA bodyboarding titles and Knights Beach professional event set for Port Elliot tomorrow

WILLIAM Pyke is part of a growing youth movement in SA bodyboarding ranks with six local teenagers

WILLIAM Pyke is part of a growing youth movement in SA bodyboarding ranks.

Two years after taking up the sport, the Marino resident, 17, will be among six teenagers competing at its state titles at Port Elliot tomorrow.

He is hoping for a top-five finish at the event — featuring competitors as young as 15 and some in their mid-30s.

“There’s quite a few guys around my age that are competing in it (bodyboarding) now,” Pyke says.

“I got taken out to Southport and had never really surfed or anything before but instantly I loved it.

“Now I’m out in the water every weekend and about 50 hours during the school holidays.

“I don’t know how I’ll go (at Port Elliot), it depends on the swell and how it pans out but hopefully OK.”

The state titles will be held at the same time and venue as the Knights Beach professional bodyboarding event, which is the second leg of the Australian tour.

The competition is set to feature international bodyboarders from such countries as the US, South Africa and New Zealand.

SA Bodyboarding Club president Dylan Beach says the pro event has helped the sport become more popular with local teenagers.

“The pro event being so successful has had a positive impact on the younger guys and offered them a different sport to get involved with,” Beach says.

Pyke’s long-term goal is to compete around the world.

“Hopefully I can get a lot better and travel overseas with it,” he says.

“I want to get good enough to compete in major events and maybe get sponsored.”