“I Don’t Want To Be Afraid Every Time I Fill Up The Petrol Tank”

Beyrick De Vries was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, an iPad’s throw (frisbee style) from where Jordy Smith grew up. The 28-year-old finished 28th on the QS in 2019, just 17 spots shy of world tour qualification, which sounds like a lot but it’s not. 

Unlike other CT hopefuls from nations that invest more in surfing, Beyrick has not had the luxury of financial freedom, government-subsidized athlete development programs, world-class coaching, dieticians, physios, and all the other spoils granted to top-tier surfers representing the national flag. South Africa has a historical legacy of socio-economic tumult that budgets little for healthcare, let alone playing slap-ass in the sea. Despite this, Beyrick has accomplished a lot with just a little, and has built a reputation in the surfing community as a humble, hard-working, and gifted surfer. 

Without the financial support of major sponsors or wealthy parents, it is incredibly hard to fund QS campaigns, particularly when you live in Africa and every flight off the continent costs upwards of $1000 USD. Add to that accommodation, comp fees, registration, boards, food, rental car, and suddenly you’re maxing out credit cards and creating severe anxiety. None of which is conducive for optimal surfing performance. 

Beyrick has launched a GoFundMe page hoping to raise $40,000 dollars for the next four events on the Challenger Series. In addition, he will be hosting a party at Gnarlywood, in Carlsbad, CA, on the 16th of September, with live music, art, signed boards for auction from Mick Fanning, Filipe Toledo and Nyjah Houston. All proceeds will go toward Beyrick’s qualification efforts.

“I’ve always been able to scrape enough money together to get to events,” Beyrick said, “but now I want to make sure I have the right trainers, the right boards, the right coaches, have someone on the beach filming, the right food, and just not be shitting myself every time I have to fill up the petrol tank. This year I just want to get out in front of it a little and really give myself a fighting chance.” 

If you want to support Beyrick’s run…

Buy event tickets here – Barbeyrick.events.com

Bid on the online auction here – Galabid.com/Barbeyrick 

Up for grabs:

Mick Fanning autographed surfboard

Filipe Toledo signed surfboard

Nyjah Houston signed skateboard deck

5 Night stay in Uluwatu, Bali

5 Night stay in Costa Rica

Lululemon Heath & Wellness Package

Hawaiian Surf Art

2 x CBD Wellness Package by Pineapple Wellness

Golf gift package.

More to come…

Fun fact: if you type ‘Beyrick’ into your phone on messages it autocorrects to Bedrock. This suggests Beyrick is associated with excellent performances in bed, or that he possesses the fundamentals of QS savagery required for CT qualification.