GEORGE NEWS - At just 18, Outeniqua High School matric learner Ellen Strydom is already becoming a household name in South African surf sports.

Having recently been selected for the national surf lifesaving team, Ellen will compete at the prestigious World Surf Lifesaving Championships in New Zealand from 27 November to 1 December.

And she has already earned her spot in the SA team for the World Ocean Paddling Championships earlier this year, set to take place in Durban from 17 to 19 October.

Strydom has been involved in surf lifesaving since she was six. Starting as a nipper, she competed at various levels and locations in the country over the past 12 years. 

Over the last two seasons, Ellen was consistently among the podium finishers and established herself as one of the top junior girls in the country. 

Being a strong swimmer, she enjoys all the water events, but prefers the craft disciplines that involve surfski and rescue board.

Competitive surf lifesaving originated in Australia and has become one of the biggest ocean-based sports in the world. Besides being a competitive sport, it also focuses very strongly on community service and safety on beaches and around the ocean.

Ellen is also a member of the Outeniqua Lifesaving Club. 

"Being selected for the two national teams is an amazing honour. My focus was to qualify and be selected for the World Ocean Racing Championship in Durban, so to receive the call-up for the national team for lifesaving as well was just incredible. 

"The team consists of only six junior girls, so I knew it was always going to be tough to make the team. My year just got a whole lot busier between matric and all the preparations and training for both events. 

"I am looking forward to going out and competing on the world stage against the best in my age group, and to represent South Africa," she said.

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