The South African Stand-Up Paddleboard Team Distinguishes Itself at the ISA  World SUP Championships

Johannesburg, 2 October 2023 – The South African Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) Team exhibited remarkable prowess and unwavering determination at the prestigious ISA World SUP Championships, held from 24 September 2023 to 1 October 2023, in Les Sables D’Olonne, France. Comprising of four exceptionally skilled athletes: Tarryn King, Evette Terblanche, Tom King, and Jethro Johnson; the team delivered standout performances across various SUP disciplines.

Tarryn King, an accomplished athlete of international acclaim, secured a remarkable 7th place finish in the fiercely competitive SUP surfing discipline, where her command of the waves was on full display. She continued her exceptional performance by clinching the 9th position in the gruelling SUP technical racing and an outstanding 3rd place in the high-speed SUP sprint racing – bringing back a bronze medal to her home country.

Jethro Johnson, our Eastern Cape Sup Surfer and a formidable presence on the national SUP surf scene, demonstrated his mastery by securing an 8th place ranking in the intensely competitive SUP surfing category, reflecting his finesse and agility on the board.

Evette Terblanche, known for her unwavering commitment to distance paddles, delivered commendable results, securing the 17th place in SUP surfing, the 22nd position in the demanding SUP technical racing, and a respectable 21st place in the challenging 18 km SUP distance racing.

Tom King, the venerable captain of the South African team, exhibited his leadership and exceptional skills by securing the 11th place rank in the highly competitive SUP surfing category.

Collectively, the South African SUP Team’s performances resulted in an impressive overall team ranking of 14th among the 30 countries that participated in this prestigious event. Their resounding success has not only brought pride to the nation but also reaffirmed South Africa’s standing within the global SUP community.

The South African SUP Team expresses heartfelt appreciation to their steadfast supporters, generous sponsors, and the International Surfing Association (ISA) for orchestrating an extraordinary event. They eagerly anticipate their continued journey, aspiring to attain even greater heights in forthcoming competitions.

A very special thank you to Olympic South Africa for their very generous sponsorship of the team kit! 

The South African SUP Team is pleased to announce its forthcoming participation in two confirmed international events. Firstly, they will be taking part at the ICF SUP World Championships in Thailand, slated for 15-19 November 2023. Building on their recent achievements, they are committed to representing South Africa with excellence on the global stage. Additionally, the team is eagerly anticipating the ISA SUP & Paddleboard World Championships scheduled for September 2024 in Denmark. Both these events will focus on SUP Racing. We hope to grow the team and ensure better fundraising so that South Africa is not only represented with exceptional talent but also by a full team.

The International Surfing Association (ISA), founded in 1964, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the World Governing Authority for Surfing. The ISA governs and defines Surfing as Shortboard, Longboard & Bodyboarding, StandUp Paddle (SUP) Racing and Surfing, Para-Surfing, Bodysurfing, Wakesurfing, and all other wave riding activities on any type of waves, and on flat water using wave riding equipment.

The ISA hosts a SUP and Paddleboard World Championship every year where athletes from across the world can compete. Each nation’s Federation submits the team that has been selected and ratified by the countries’ sport bodies. It is pivotal for sports to have opportunities like these so that athletes can have a purpose and goal for their training, to unite nations, to develop the sport, and to give global recognition to sports and its athletes around the world. At this year’s world championships 249 athletes competed from 30 countries!

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
● Name: Anja Marie Burger
● Email: supsapresident@gmail.com
● Contact number: +27 72 804 4389