EP Juniors receive blazers

Tradition is a powerful thing, and thanks to the Boardwalks sponsorship the EP Juniors can revive the wonderful tradition of being kitted out in an EP blazer. And flip, don't they just look great! They will be the first EP since the early 70's to be kitted out in them. Long may the tradition endure from here onwards.

Here's the official press release from Wednesday's awards ceremony:


There was much fanfare and celebration at the Boardwalk last night as the Eastern Province Junior Surfers received their colours ahead of the South African Surfing Champs which start next Wednesday in Jbay.

Blazers, sponsored by the Boardwalk, were handed our by MD Brett Hoppe, who still claims, “to surf when no one is watching!”  In addition, Billabong sponsored T shirts, hats and goodie bags to the 21 strong member team and officials.  Team and individual photographs were taken and delicious dinner was on offer by the Boardwalk.  The team then stayed over at the hotel group, which also sponsors accommodation, food and the Gazebo (thanks to Porta Shade).

Ebrahiem Abrahams, Brett Hoppe (Boardwalk) & Johnny Bakker

In attendance too, was legend coach (Graham) Hynsie and the victorious EP Senior Team – fresh from their win in Mosselbay.  Board shaper, Dennis Ellis joined in, as did proud parents and friends of the team members.

Johnny Bakker – Vice President of Surfing SA says  “Its fantastic to see local business support surfing and this sort of generosity elevates surfing as a sport in SA– the EP Team can be proud.  We wish them luck next week”.

Graham Hynes

Billabong's Grant Beck and EP's newly crowed SA u20 champ, Dylan Lightfoot.

Keeping it in the family. Team member Alex van Rijswijck, and his dad Willem, EP team manager

Grant Beck from Billabong is “proud to be associated with the EP team - The excitement is palpable and they are such a stoked bunch of surfers.  They are so united and bonded this year - its awesome – they really live the Billabong lifestyle”.

As an extra team building experience, some of the members, together with Louisa Lightfoot and Manager, Annie Van Der Merwe, went off to the Missionvale Care Centre.  Louisa explains further .

“This morning after a divine buffet breakfast at the boardwalk we were taken to Missionvale Care Centre by the Boardwalk minibus. The EP Junior team and the Boardwalk Hotel donated 200 cooldrinks, chips and fruit to the children of Missionvale school. 

Sister Ethel and EP team manager Annie van der Merwe

We were introduced to Sister Ethel who started the centre 27 years ago and has grown it into a huge positive influence for a very impoverished community.  The school headmistress addressed very well behaved school of kids who were so thrilled to be treated. Many of the school children receive no form of nourishment at home and rely on the school for one meal a day. The EP Junior team manager Annie VD Merwe and Dylan Lightfoot gave a small inspirational speech and the children played some soccer and took photos with the EP Team. 

The work that Sister Ethel and her team are doing for the community is very inspirational.  Anyone wanting to donate food, clothing, funds or anthing to Missionvale care centre can please contact Anni on 082 4499963 or go to www.missionvale.co.za.

Thank you to The Boardwalk Hotel and Billabong for sponsoring the team and allowing them this fantastic opportunity to experience life on all levels."



All EP Awards images Sandy Coffey.

Double trouble - brothers Peter & Jono Coffey with proud mom Sandy

Another EP brother combo - Ryan & Dylan Lightfoot from Jbay

Thanks to team sponsors Billabong