Butterfly Bianca continues to blossom

GEORGE NEWS - She is taller than expected. Six foot tall that is, but after months of trying to arrange an interview, it was a pleasure to finally sit and chat to this 17-year-old who continues taking the surfing world by the horns. But do not be deceived, there is much more than surfing titles to Bianca Buitendag.

The stamps in her passport to Bali, France, Peru and Australia sound idyllic. Her CV includes a current number two ranking in the world junior u.20 division, sponsorship and modelling for Roxy, an u.16 world junior title last year that was a first for a Saffa girl. Laurels in every division of the South African surfing circuit, including the u.20 girls event at the age of 14.
Oh, and did we mention she is currently completing matric?

Bianca says she is "thankful that surfing can produce a career" but that she is not in it for that. She simply loves travelling the world and surfing and being given opportunities that include stunt double work in movies. About the latter she adds, "I’d love to do that again!"

However, Bianca’s days at home in George, and as Outeniqua High School learner, are anything but easy. She will miss her mid-year exams to compete in various international junior events but do not be fooled, all her missed lessons are caught up during and after school, projects with school mates are fitted in, and the endless extra Maths classes are important for a bright young lady who plans to study towards an Accountancy degree whilst surfing in the World Qualifying Series (WQS) in 2012. If her history of receiving academic colours and provincial merits in hockey, swimming, gymnastics, biath-lones, surfc and lifesaving whilst hardly being in the country are anything to go by, she will do just fine.

Mom Yvette, an architect, adds that Bianca "gives it her all" and "gets on with it."
Thankfully there are school breaks to catch up with friends, especially with Nicki Verreynne, who Bianca says understands both her surfing and ‘normal’ world.

And how did the surfing start?
Dad Colin taught his 8 year old daughter to surf on a kneeboard, little knowing that she would be amongst the best in the world within a decade. These days, goofie-footer Bianca, favours a 6.1 Al Merrick designed ’rookie’.
Born in Gauteng in 1993, Bianca has two brothers Sven (19) and Daniel (15) and three dogs named Chunky, Molly and Baloo.
She does not hesitate to say that sushi (preferably salmon California rolls), the Mac and cheese made by Miriam (who helps the Buitendags at home), Milo and chocolate ice-cream are favourite foods. And an ideal holiday destination? The Maldives - which she has not seen yet - or Reunion would be good, although her favourite surfing spots are Bingin in Bali and of course our own Herold’s Bay and Vic Bay.

Now back to the height thing. It serves her well for the modelling, but she admits with a smile that she was kicked off the netbal team before her growth spurt in Grade 10. And like many other youngster, getting up for school is not easy. She laughingly admits to running down the driveway so as not to be left behind by her mum. And, like many fellow matric English learners, she questions the value of their setwork book, ‘Lord of the Flies’!

And when it comes to clothing, this poised surfer girl describes hers as "casual and natural", like a 21st century hippy, which reflects her down to earth "keep your feet on the ground" nature perfectly.
A rolemodel for youngsters across the world, Bianca openly shares that her relationship with God is very important to her, a fact that her fellow surfers know and respect. She encourages the youth to "be grateful for what you have got" and "don’t regard yourself higher than someone else."

For a young lady who has the world as her oyster, one can only wish her the best for the future, cheering as she showcases George’s hospitality and talent on the worldstage.

Check out Bianca’s website, which she updates herself, at www.biancabuitendag.com and support our local talent.