Deidre van Niekerk
Q: When did you start wakeboarding?
I basically started when I was 14 and gradually grew into it. It wasn’t anything serious - I just did it for the fun of it. By 15, I had to get rid of some bad habits and with professional training and help, I started to become more serious.
Q: What is it about the sport that drives you?
There is always something new to do and try, it’s never the same. It’s a sport that drives you to think creatively of innovative tricks and moves to perform. And then, of course, the lifestyle it offers is way different.
Q: So you’ve been on the board for a few years now, when did you turn pro?
I turned pro when I was 18. That was when I really started getting better and more competitive. After matric, I took a gap year and only focused on boarding. This obviously helped me to fine tune my style and technique. I then went travelling abroad and took part in my second World Champs in 2007 in Doha, Qatar and came fifth.
Q: It’s expensive doing all these events - who are the sponsors you rely on?
Daddy, ha ha. Unfortunately in South Africa there isn’t really big amounts of money available for the sport to send us to the world champs. So I have a few of my own sponsors that help me out with gear. I’ve been with Rusty Clothing for two years and they have been really good to me. I recently signed up with O'brien, who sponsors my board and bindings to keep me going on the water. Gear is expensive and that’s why their support is so important to me. Although I’m a small person and wouldn’t really snap a board, it’s an expensive risk to take. Most riders snap boards and many of the guys go through about six boards per season, where I normally go through one, maybe two boards.
Q: How do the local competitions work?
Unlike cycling or most other sports that compete all year, we work in seasons and have to squish everything into a small period. Our competitions are a little different to those held internationally, and not as strict. We have international judges who come out and they also teach our judges. There are three judges on the boat that judge you on your ride and at the end of your run they will determine the score.