14 August 2006

South African surfers have been enjoying a purple patch around the world. Following Ricky Basnett's stunning win in the Mr Price Pro and the Rainbow Nation's domination of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa, Royden Bryson and Davey Weare have added victories in Japan and the United Kingdom.

Bryson, from East London, snared the top prize in the six-star-rated R875 000 Billabong presents the Yumeya Tahara Pro in Japan, earned himself R105 000 and 2 500 ratings points over the weekend of 6 August.

His win came on the back of a superb display in the final in which he defeated Bernardo Miranda with two rides of 9.0.

Rocketed up the standings
Bryson's victory has rocketed him up the World Qualifying Series (WQS) rankings to second place, only 36 points behind current leader Neco Padaratz of Brazil.

While Bryson was excelling in Japan, Weare was in superb form at the five-star Rip Curl Boardmasters WQS event in Newquay, England.

Surfing in weak, small conditions, Weare defeated Australia's Corey Ziems to snap up first prize and the 2 000 WQS points on offer. In 2005, he finished runner-up to another South African, Antonio Bortoletto, in the event.

Thanks to his outstanding result, Weare finds himself in the upper reaches of the WQS rankings, along with Bryson and Basnett.

'I am super stoked'
Looking back on his victory, he said: "I am super stoked about having won last weekend in Newquay. It is the biggest victory in my career so far and what made it even better was the fact that Royden won the six-star contest in Japan on the same day.

"This win feels amazing I wish I could keep the feeling going a little longer," added Weare.

Both Weare and Bryson are sponsored by Oakley and the sponsors were thrilled by the outstanding performances of the two young South Africans.

'What a weekend!'
Oakley's GM, Steven Adshade commented: "What a weekend! This has been a great day for South African surfing as Davey and Royden lead the SA assault on the world stage.

"We are thrilled with Davey's and Royden's performance.

"Oakley has a strong heritage in innovation, and their futuristic and progressive surfing style follows the same ideals, thus we are very proud to be associated with two such phenomenal riders and their recognition worldwide."

SouthAfrica.info reporter

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