Disabled surfer finishes in podium position against able-bodied competitors
It has been an arduous journey to the top for the 32-year-old, born with a congenital amputation. He possesses a single leg and deformed left hand.
Local surfer, Deryck Sigwebela, competed in the South African Kneeboard Championships, hosted in Jeffery’s Bay, where he finished in third position, as a disabled individual, against competitors, who were able bodied.
It has been an arduous journey to the top for the 32-year-old, born with a congenital amputation. He possesses a single leg and deformed left hand.
However, Sigwebela does not allow his disadvantages to weigh him down in confidence or ability, as earlier this year, he finished in second at the KZN Para-Surfing Championships and third at the South African Para-Surfing event.
“I competed in the open and seniors divisions kneelo (kneeboard surfer), as the only adaptive/para surfer, competing against able-bodied surfers. Unfortunately, I was eliminated early in the open division. The following day, I surfed the senior’s semi-finals where we had a swell of 6 to 8-foot waves, where I finished second with two waves scoring of 1:17 and 1:20. These helped me to qualify for the final. I finished third as I could not get through to surf the 14-foot waves, due to the danger of such high water,” Sigwebela said.
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In addition to this, the Welbedacht East resident represents Team eThekwini Surfriders Association and Made For More.
“Surfing means so much to me as I get to be away from social ills and day-to-day issues, which hold one back. I’m always honoured to represent Chatsworth and KZN every time I compete. I look to inspire every individual, who has lost hope in their dreams. I hope to be seen as a beacon of hope, as if I can chase mine and challenge myself against all odds, others should be inspired to do so as well,” concluded Sigwebela.
Sigwebela would also like to thank the Nikhiel’s bus drivers for their support, as they sometimes assist him in his endeavours by transporting him to Durban CBD, which helps a lot especially during training.
Sigwebela will compete in next year’s KZN and SA Adaptive Surfing Championships once again but will require donations to attend the events and maintain the tools of his trade.
If you wish to do so, contact Deryck Sigwebela on 067-795-9740, or on Back-a-Buddy at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/derick-sigwebela.
