"I don’t think
anyone ever expected that it would be possible"
Every year I look forward
to coming to Brazil to the most fun competition
of the year. But this year it was a difficult decision to make whether
to attend or not, for two reasons. The first reason was that I was
very busy with my business in South Africa. The second reason was
that James was writing his final exams of his school life. We decided
that James would miss his geography exam and write it next March.
We made the right decision of course because now he is the
double world champion. I am so proud of him and
still can’t believe it. I don’t think anyone ever expected
that it would be possible.
Unfortunately for me it was the first time I have been defeated
in a competition for four years. But to lose to my son made
it much easier to accept. I am sure that if my blaster did not give
me trouble I would have beaten him, but that is just my opinion. We
will have to wait till next year to be sure.
I was very proud of the South African team who took
six of the nine podium places.
The competition was a great success for everyone. The surf
in the finals was the best we have ever had for a competition. The
waves were perfect for surfing and jumping. Unfortunately
the weather did not play along with us. The rain and lightning kept
the crowds away. Fortunately the event was braodcast live on the internet
by Embratel so there was a large live audience who saw the event.
For me this was the best organized and run event in the world.
As it was sanctioned by the FWA as the Freeride World champs, it was
the best contest in the world ever.
I am worried that we have a split in the freeride world right
now. We have the jetjump world cup in France that is sanctioned by
the IJSBA and we have the Freeride world champs sanctioned by the
FWA in Brazil. Both are fantastic events, equaly well run and with
good representation. I hope that the FWA and the IJSBA together with
the organizers of both events can come together to join forces to
make the two events work together to become bigger, better and accepted
by everyone in the world of jetskiing. In fact I would like to see
even more events of the caliber of these two, in countries like the
USA, South Africa and Australia to make a world tour sanctioned by
everone and providing the riders with a world tour that is well over
due. Of course this will require sponsors and co-operative organizers.
I believe that next year will be an incredible
year for freeride jetski events and
especially look foreward to coming back to Brazil.
