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Hailing from Durban, and from a long line of multi-talented watermen, James Ribbink is set to become the next big thing from the Durban beachfront. James is currently training under the High Performance Surfing Academy and garnering great performances and reviews whenever he surfs an event, James was the U12 winner at the Billabong Junior Series last year. He is aiming at reclaiming that title, but has also entered unto the U16 division – punching well above his weight.
The fast and stylish natural-footer surfs often and on the perfect right-hand point break waves of Seal Point, venturing down south to chase swells whenever his dad, Jason Ribbink, decides to go. James is not scared of big waves, as was seen at the recent giant swell that pummeled Durban, and when JBay turns on, James likes to give it a go.
Surfing for Channel Islands, RVCA, Richmark, FCS, Skullcandy and Oakley, James is well looked after and let’s his surfing do the talking when he hits the water. He loves a tense heat, and relishes on the pressure, putting in the turns and showing the judges what he is capable of at all times.
He is really good in the barrel, showing experience beyond his years, and has a powerful front hand off-the-top. His surfing is smooth and calculated, but he knows how to get the big scores when he needs them. A top competitor, James delights in the joys of competitive surfing.
With multiple contest victories behind him, and a flourishing career ahead of him, James would come into the Billabong Junior Series Final as a favourite in his division, but he must be striking fear into the surfers in the age groups above his. He is not shy to have a go when it is needed. His favourite subject at school is ‘break.’
Billabong SA Junior Champs presented by BOS
James will also be in attendance at the Billabong SA Junior Champs the week after at the Lower Point in JBay. The Billabong SA Junior Champs is the biggest and most popular of the junior events in the year, and the Lower Point in JBay is always a perfect venue for the kids. James will be top seed in his division again, and will be looking at taking a national title.
James at 11 years old:
JAMES RIBBINK ( 11 YRS OLD ) IN OMNCANE ( ZULU ) – THE LITTLE ONE from steven michelsen on Vimeo.
Photos by Kody McGregor
