Surfer Holly stands up to world rivals in Mexico
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The International Surfing Association hosted more than 30 international teams in sunny Sayulita, who competed in surf, distance, technical and prone paddleboard disciplines.
The event attracts some of best riders in the world and the ISA are pushing hard for stand-up paddlesurfing (SUP) to be included in the Olympics.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBassett’s skill is riding waves – she competes against four other riders in 20-minute heats in surf conditions.
During the SUP worlds, Bassett faced challenging conditions and skilled competitors – the predominant right-direction waves were not on her favoured side and in her first heat she faced current world champion Nicole Pacelli and Waterman League Tour world champion Izzy Gomez – making her achievement of placing 16th all the more impressive.
Bassett was selected as part of Team GB representing the UK, who came 15th.
Bassett is taking her AS-levels in maths, English and business and was revising hard while in Mexico.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe has been involved in water sports from an early age. She paddlesurfs at West Wittering beach and took the initiative to raise the funds for the trip via the Makeachamp website – and with support from many contributors raised more than £3,000 for the 12,000-mile trip to Sayulita.
She said: “I am so grateful to all the people that made it possible for me to get here to Mexico, and the experience of surfing with some of the world’s best has been amazing! I can’t wait to get back out on the water to progress even more.”
Antony Cook, Seaford College’s director of sport, added: “Holly is an amazing talent and is doing incredibly well pursuing a sport that is so up and coming in this country.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex
3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!