By Project Sunwave Team
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Our Boys Shine at the West Coast Canoe Challenge
Introduction
Some moments remind us exactly why we do what we do. This February, at the annual West Coast Canoe Challenge, six boys from Lambert's Bay — proudly representing Project Sunwave — gave us one of those unforgettable moments. Competing in the stand-up paddle (SUP) division just two months after learning, they not only paddled with skill and determination but also carried the hopes and pride of their teammates back home on their young shoulders.
Racing with Heart
Held in Velddrif, the West Coast Canoe Challenge brought together hundreds of paddlers from across the province, racing along the Berg River. For our group of Sunwave paddlers, aged just 10 to 16, this was their first major event — for a few, the first time leaving Lambert's Bay. Each of the boys trained for weeks leading up to the event, starting the Stand Up Paddleboarding module only in December.
Race Results:
🏆 Decklin Andrews (12) – 1st place in SUP, 5th overall (U14 all craft)
🔥 Devrou Cloete (16) – 2nd place in SUP, 3rd overall (U16 all craft)
💪 Eliah Cloete (13) – 3rd place in SUP, 7th overall (U14 all craft)
🌊 Dewandry Cloete (10) – 5th in SUP, 8th overall (U12 all craft)
⚡ Elton Jantjies (13) – 7th in SUP, 9th overall (U14 all craft)
🦁 Roberto Harris (14) – Stood tall for the full 5km, crossing the finish line with heart and grit
A Community Behind Every Paddle Stroke
Behind these victories are countless unseen acts of support: early morning lifts, encouraging words from family, coaches who gave their time and energy, and the kindness of local sponsors. A special thank you to OK Foods Lambert's Bay (@oklambertsbaai), who generously sponsored the boys with food hampers to fuel their race day.
More Than a Race
At Project Sunwave, we believe in long-term investment in young people, using ocean sports like surfing, SUP, and swimming not just as recreation, but as platforms for building life skills: resilience, confidence, discipline, and leadership.
What Comes Next
These results have lit a fire, not only in the boys who raced but in the kids watching from land, dreaming of being next. We are currently fundraising for equipment upgrades and travel costs to future races.
Conclusion
To Lambert's Bay: be proud. These boys are our ambassadors. Their strength reflects your strength. Their victories are your victories. When young people are given belief, support, and the chance to shine, there's no telling how far they'll go.
