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Ian Macleod
Tracy Sassen
Neal Stephenson
Craig Seale
Johan Momberg

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Neal Stephenson on his waveski at SuperTubes, J-Bay, South Africa - pic by Mark
Plettenberg Bay resident Neal Stephenson, a South African Bodyboard Champion looking forward to international success, was the victim of a shark attack in at Keurbooms beach near Plet.  Neal lost his right leg and suffered severe lacerations on left leg and for a while was in a critical condition.  Strength of will, faith, support and peak fitness enabled him to pull through in a remarkable recovery which saw him getting back into the water only a few months later.  He was unable to regain his previous competitive bodyboarding level and he sought other surfing means to satisfy his competitive urges.

Neal Stephenson with his custom-epoxy waveski - pic by MarkNeal had casually surfed on a waveski some years before and he decided to try it again.  Waveski does not rely on the use of legs as for surfing and bodyboarding and also does not require special adaptions for most leg amputees.Neal Stephenson and Lyle with his new custom-epoxy waveski, Feb 2000 - pic by Mark As can be seen from the photos of Neal's board, it is a "standard custom shape" as used by any of our riders.  Neal chose this because it ensures the board has normal resale value 

He started competitive waveski surfing in December 1999 and his well-developed wave-sense and aggressive style soon had him beating the Eastern Province regulars and he approached Macski for a sponsorship.

In his first year of competition he produced continuous solid performances on the waveski surfing circuit, making the final (top 4) of all the provincial, national and international events he entered - the only waveskier this year to have achieved this! His achievements to date are as follows:Neal Stephenson receives his trophy at the 2000 World Titles in J-Bay, South Africa. He placed third in the Open Division - pic by Mark
  • December 1999 : EP Closed Champs (first)
  • March 2000 : Border Open (third)
  • April 2000 : Western Province Open (third)
  • June 2000 : World Titles  J Bay (third in open division!)
  • July 2000 :  SA/World Open (fourth)
  • April 2001: SA Closed Champs (second)

Aged 24, Neal surfs in the Open age category which is normally the most competitive division.

Neal is very pro-active in supporting other amputee victims to come to terms with their challenges and his success in this sport should be seen as an example for those who seek a sport to complement their lives.

Sponsored Rider - John Macleod Agencies - Macski Waveskis