GARY van Wieringen, a seasoned surfer from Amanzimtoti, is pleased with his performance at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship held in Surf City, El Salvador, from October 18 to 24.

The competition, which returned after several years absence, brought together some of the world’s top surfers over the age of 40. Van Wieringen was part of a four-person South African team that also included Heather Clark, Tyrell Johnson, and Tasha Mentasti.

“It was one of the best events we’ve been to in terms of the set-up, what they provided for us, and the broadcast. We were treated like World Championship Tour surfers. I’m happy with my fifth place result, but obviously would have liked to have done better and could have done better,” said Van Wieringen.

South Africa did well, placing seventh overall out of 28 teams as a team of four and not a full team. Van Wieringen placed fifth overall in Grand Master man, Clark placed second in Grand Master woman, Johnson placed third in Master’s men, and Mentasti placed seventh in Master’s women.

“The support was phenomenal from back home, a huge thank-you to everyone who supported us, it meant so much,” he said.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.