Over the years surfing has become a mega industry.  The rise of surfing has been accompanied by thriving surf apparel companies such as Quicksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, and Hurley, to name a few.  These companies have brought money to professional surfing and have helped make a surfing world tour, which literally chases the best waves around the world, possible. One of the tour’s 11 annual stops is right here in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

The Billabong Pro JBay brought 35 of the world’s best surfers to town, July 14-24.  Lights, cameras, and lots of action went down as the surfers dialed in their best moves on JBay’s world famous Supertubes break.  And right in the middle of it all were the kids from Ithemba! It was an awesome opportunity for the kids to see world-classed athletes demonstrate expertise in their craft.

They even had a chance to meet and talk to Mick Fanning, a two-time World Champion, and second place finisher at this years competition. True to form, they didn’t cut Mick any slack, joking with him like a close friend.  For the kids, it was the highlight of a lifetime! Heck it was pretty cool for Gavin and I too!

Hopefully the kids got a little inspiration from seeing the pros living out their dreams.  But as we reminded the kids, first come DREAMS AND HARD WORK!  As far as LUO goes, we’ll keep working hard to build and foster dreams at Ithemba.

Love. Joy. Peace.

Zach