He's not only the bodyboarding world champion - bringing home the title for the second consecutive time - but he's also just an all-around lekker guy. The local legend is making big waves but also makes time for his hometown. Before the premier of a documentary about his dedication to the sport, Tristan held a bodyboarding development clinic to introduce potential younger enthusiasts to the world of bodyboarding.
The bodyboarding development clinic was for anyone who had an interest in testing the waters. Tristan shared that his brother and friends introduced him to the sport and he wants to give others the same opportunity. He hopes to "ignite the spark" so others could experience the same happiness.
After that, was his welcoming home at Milk on the Beach, and the premier of his documentary Jannie. The film offers an insight into him and his career in bodyboarding. The name is endearing, originating from a best friend whose father couldn't say his name and called him Chrisjan - which later became the nickname "Jannie" amongst friends.
Tristan was kind enough to share more information about his passion with us, and his triumph as world champion for a second time.
On his maiden win, he says that "the first one felt lucky. Out of 9 events, in the last round I was in 3rd place, which meant the other opponents had to lose for me to win and the odds were against that happening." This win was followed by immense dedication and focus to compete for the title again.
"I had to come back to defend that title and prove it wasn't luck. It was a big relief solidifying the title and I felt deserving of being champ. I had to prove it to myself, where the first was spontaneous, that this second crowning of world champ was won through dedication and being more dominant."
One of the questions our dear Tristan had to answer, was born of curiosity from a local who had never experienced the waves abroad. A curiosity to know how our local Onrus beach compared to Spain:
"The surf in Spain is incomparable to the surf back home in Onrus. El Frontón has a reef break where there is raw Atlantic power as the water travels from 3000m deep to 5m deep real fast. The energy is a lot more than I have experienced anywhere else in the world, and trying to tame that energy cannot be compared to a beach break, which is pretty forgiving. In the long term, Onrus beach with its beach break prepped me for 20 years of my life. I live within walking distance of the beach and have spent many hours, with not many folks on the waves, which is a massive factor in my skill level and consistency."
So, a beach break seems like a good place to start. Great news for the youth of Hermanus. What was it like growing up on this extra-charming side of town?
"Growing up in Onrus was a big blessing. There were a few generations before me that were super talented. At the young age of 6, I was thrown into the deep end with these guys which drove me a lot; that, and having a community behind me that saw potential and guided me to stay away from distractions. This moulded me into the person I am today."
"The sport saved me. I was doing what I'm passionate about. It wasn't my intention to be World Champ, I was purely enjoying it, being out in the water and having a good laugh. Then I realised I could get free sponsored boards, then came the competitions, and it unfolded from there."
Seeing someone so passionate about what they're doing, one becomes compelled to ask for some life advice for the younger folks of today.
"If I could give the youth of today one piece of advice, it would be to find your passion. The earlier you find your passion, the easier life becomes. It will be something you can always fall back on to give you joy. Whether it's sports or making money, find that thing and do it as much as you can."
We asked him a random question too, wanting to know more about young Tristan in school. His favourite subject, oddly enough, was Business Studies. "This was the one subject that intrigued me, something I could use in the long run. At this stage, I had already decided I would chase the world title, but I use this subject to some extent in negotiating contracts and in the business side of things."
On life in Onrus, Tristan shares that "there is no more beautiful place. From the ocean you look back at the land, the mountains are so close, the sheer beauty of sunsets at Haarderbaai... Some of the most precious moments in nature have been here.
I've travelled and it doesn't get more beautiful than this." Thanks, Tristan, for the words of wisdom and being such a wholesome guy. And for bringing international bodyboarding to this side of the world with the Walkerbay Pro, which will potentially become an annual treasured event.
Seeff Hermanus feels proud to have been a sponsor in this momentous occasion - the very first international bodyboarding competition to ever take place in Africa - held in our charming town. We are even more proud of this homegrown hero. We will be watching his future with bated breath.
Author: Ruché Ten Have (The Marketing Desk)
Photo Credits: @geliefdeaarden (clinic photo) and @frontonking