Coffs Bodyboarder fundraising to compete internationally

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Hill-Smith is fundraising to compete on the IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Ryan Hill-Smith has his sights set on competing on this year’s IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.

A Coffs Coast Bodyboarding Association member, the first event Ryan hopes to enter is the Maldives Pro, taking place from 3 to 12 August 2023.

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With a track record of wins and places in Australian competitions, he’s confident of making a success of his entry and is asking the Coffs Coast to support him in raising funds to help with travel costs and race entry fees.

Ryan has a fundraising page on the Australian Sports Foundation website – www.asf.org.au/projects/ryan-hill-smith-bodyboarding-world-tour-maldives-pro.

“I am a part of the local Coffs Coast Bodyboarding Association which has helped me progress in the sport to a national level.

“I have competed in Australia’s best bodyboarding events and have got some amazing results.

“I have also competed across multiple divisions ie Junior Mens, Open Mens and Dropknee.

“Throughout the year I have also been travelling to and free surfing awesome locations like Yamba, Newcastle and Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast.

“I love discovering new places and making new friends in the water.”

Ryan said he aims to compete in all the same events again this year, with eyes also on the international scene.

“I also want to travel and compete to be the Pro Junior Men’s Champion of the 2023 IBC Bodyboarding World Tour.”

As a requirement to be crowned Pro Junior Men’s Champion, Ryan will need to compete in at least two events to qualify.

“I am planning to travel to the Maldives to compete in the Maldives Bodyboard Pro from 3 to 12 of August 2023 as my first event.

“I am fundraising to assist with travel costs and competition expenses.”

If successful in his first goal, Ryan said his second event will be the Gran Canaria Fronton King, running from 12 to 27 October 2023.

Ryan is in year 11 at Bishop Druitt College and lives in North Boambee Valley.

By Andrea FERRARI

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