MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Quewin Pieterse is surfing his way to New Zealand.

This 17-year-old Mossel Bay native will be heading to Mount Maunganui this November, where he will compete in the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge.

Quewin, who is part of the national team, says he is beyond excited not only for the competition, but for the travelling. This will be his first time flying in a plane and travelling outside South African borders.

"I am really excited. Not many get this opportunity. And it's New Zealand! Many rugby fans want to go, and I'm getting my chance now," said Quewin to Mossel Bay Advertiser.

Quewin is a Grade 11 learner of Sao Bras High School in Mossel Bay. His love of surf rescuing began in 2017 when he went to the beach with a group of friends, one of whom was involved in it. 

That day a surf rescue competition was taking place, piquing Quewin's interest in the sport. The following year he joined South Cross Surf Lifesaving at De Bakke beach and went on to compete for the first time in 2021.

Quewin Pieterse

Participating in surf rescuing requires intense training. Quewin says he trains five days week in between rugby practices. The training consists mostly of building endurance for sprinting in the sand, a key aspect of surf rescue.

Although he doesn't follow a strict diet, he makes sure to eat enough to remain energised and stays away from coffee, carbonated or energy drinks, opting for water or 100% fruit juice.

Of course, Quewin's parents couldn't be prouder. Travelling overseas is undoubtedly expen-sive, but Quewin and his family have endless faith that things will work out.

The 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge sees national teams from various countries competing, including Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States of America.

The competition consists of three tests taking place over three days, 27 to 30 November. 

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