Merrifield College pupil Daniel Emslie certainly made waves after participating in the Vissla International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championships at Huntington Beach, in California.
The 15-year-old competed in the Under 16 boys division against athletes from all over the world, coming fifth in the division and narrowly missing out on a medal.
“It was a great experience to see what the level is like with top surfers,” Daniel said.
“The second round was really tough with every heat getting harder after that. “I am super-happy about my placing though I could have gone through to the final,” he said.
Proud father Justin Emslie said the competition had turned out to be better than they had imagined and the support for Daniel was “amazing”.
Justin added that his wife Chantelle made sure Daniel stayed on top of his school work, while he juggled all his extra-mural activities at school.
“Our sponsors have been very supportive and Daniel has also saved all his competition winnings. “We also did a community fundraising initiative,” he said.
Emslie’s surfing coach and personal trainer is his uncle, ISA World Junior Champion winner Greg Emslie.
Emslie described surfing as “being able to adapt to the changing sea conditions and concentrating on yourself”, while of course loving the sport.
