Former ASP South African Pro Junior Champion Klee Strachan (Winkelspruit) was the lucky recipient of the Aloha spirit at the Mr. Price Pro Ballito today, when Hawaiian surfing heavyweight Michael Ho, 51, (Oahu) gave up his spot in the main event for the local surfer.
Strachan, who missed his first heat of the prestigious ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star event on Monday, slotted into today’s Round of 96 in place of Ho, where he did well in the difficult cross shore conditions, holding onto second position to advance into the Round of 48 behind heat winner Brett Simpson (USA).
“I’m very stoked that Michael Ho let me take the first replacement,” said Strachan. “I’ve been sitting around here for the last two days just hoping I would surf. Thankfully the chance came and I surfed my best and made it through and it’s all thanks to the Hawaiians, they’re all good guys and I’m really appreciative of them.”
Ho, who is currently travelling to South Africa with his daughter ASP World No. 6 Coco and son ASP WQS campaigner Mason (both of whom competed in the event), was only to happy to give up his spot for the campaigning youngster. He was later rewarded with a place back into the event where he finished in fourth position.