NAME: Ben Buckley
AGE: 17 years
HOMETOWN: Bateman's Bay, NSW

Ben has been waveski surfing since he was 12 years old started competing a year later when he was 13. In 2007, Ben competed in the Australian Waveski Surfing Titles in Wollongong and came 4th in the B grade. Ben would like to be an Australian champion and have the opportunity to represent Australia overseas.

Ben's progress with waveski surfing throughout 2008 includes:

• 1st B Grade Wollongong Open
• 1st B Grade Coffs Harbour Open
• 1st Australian Junior Titles
• Semi-finals B Grade Lakesea Classic

Ben hopes that his surfing will progress further in 2008 with relocating to Wollongong for tertiary education and a surfing trip to Bali. The sponsorship helped Ben with flight expenses to attend Coffs Harbour and a surfing trip to Bali.

Local surf spot: Denhams Beach, Durras
Favourite rider: Dave Dinning, Dale Randahl, Lance Milnes
Hobbies: Reading, training, skateboarding, playing keyboard
What do you like most about waveski surfing?Its ability to take my mind off things, its aesthetics and its community
Waveski Surfing Goals for 2009 - Place in the top 16 in the Open division of the World Titles and to be the Junior World Champion

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Bryce was introduced to the surf when he was just walking and has ridden a body board for many years and has been learning to ride a short board for over a year. Bryce has started learning to ride a waveski this year. Bryce also plays soccer and is a great goalie and defender. Although Bryce is the youngest "WSA Young One" he hopes to learn to eskimo roll, learn to waveski surf, get an air and beat everyone when he is older.

Bryce has made a small amount of progress in his surfing during the year and hopes to get good enough to compete in the world titles this year. The scholarship has helped pay for transporting a waveski, a second hand paddle and a new wetsuit.

Local surf spot: Kawana
Favourite rider: Dad (Bill Campbell)
Hobbies: Soccer, waveski surfing, body boarding, surf lifesaving, T-ball, swimming, skareboarding
What do you like most about waveski surfing?Catching waves when I don't fall off.
Waveski Surfing Goals for 2009 - Rolling and perform an air.

Savannah started surfing on a bodyboard with her Dad when she was 2 and currently rides a bodyboard, surfboard and is beginning to learn how to ride a waveski. Savannah is a successful sportsperson having represented her school at district carnivals in 800m althletics, 50m breaststroke swimming and at surfing. She has been shortlisted for school captain and appointed a student leader. She is also learning the guitar and violin and plays both instruments in the school band. Savannah hopes to learn to ride a waveski skillfully, compete in waveski contests and win women's waveski events.

This year Savannah has learnt the basics of how to roll and can do small manoeuvres on small waves. I would also like to enter the world titles this year. The scholarship has helped with purchasing wetsuits.

Local surf spot: Kawana
Favourite rider: Mum and Dad (Karen and Bill Campbell)
Hobbies: Soccer, waveski surfing, body boarding, surf lifesaving, reading, swimming, skateboarding, roller blading
What do you like most about waveski surfing?Catching waves is lots of fun.
Waveski Surfing Goals for 2009 - To improve my skill and be able to perform a few manoeuvres such as a re-entry and cut back. I also want to be a good roller.

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