One such story comes from the shores of El Salvador, where South African surfing legend Heather Clark is making waves—both literally and figuratively—at the 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championships.
Most of you know Heather Clark as the dedicated local surf coach, sharing her passion for the sport with others by teaching them how to surf. Her energy and enthusiasm on the waves are infectious, and through her lessons, she gives back to the sport she loves, igniting a love for the ocean in her students.
But this week, Heather is doing more than coaching—she’s competing on the world stage, showcasing the same passion that drives her as a coach at the 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championships.
Heather Clark, a name synonymous with surfing excellence, is back in international competition and proving once again why she is a force to be reckoned with. Competing against some of the world’s best surfers, Heather brought her A-game to the championship.
On Sunday, the event kicked off, and Heather wasted no time in showing her prowess. She won her first heat with an impressive total score of 13.83. The conditions were perfect—clean, three-to-four-foot waves allowed surfers to carve through the swells, and Heather’s unique approach shone brightly.
Heather’s momentum didn’t stop there. In round two, she powered through her heat, scoring an incredible 14.16, further solidifying her place among surfing’s legends. Her return to the international stage is not only a victory for her, but also a moment of pride for all of us who continue to follow her journey.
Beyond her surfing triumphs, Heather played a significant role in the opening ceremony of the event. Representing South Africa, she was chosen as the sand pourer—an important honour where each country’s surfers bring sand from their home beaches to pour into a collective tank. This symbolic act emphasizes unity among nations and the deep connection surfers have with their local waves. Tyrell Johnson, another celebrated South African surfer, proudly served as the flag bearer.
This year’s Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championships is a reunion of some of the greatest surfing legends. Alongside Heather, surfers like Tom Curren (USA) and Rochelle Ballard (HAW) showcased their skills, reminding the world of their extraordinary talent.
Heather Clark is standing out in this competition, not just for her past accolades, but for her current brilliance in the water. As one of five women in the competition to have reached the ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) finals, Heather continues to inspire both the young and old with her dedication and passion.
Heather’s journey in El Salvador is a reminder that no matter how much time passes, true champions never fade. They rise again and again, and in doing so, they inspire generations. As Heather continues to dominate in El Salvador, we send our support and best wishes from South Africa. Keep riding those waves, Heather—you’re making us all proud!
As the finals approach at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships in El Salvador, Heather remains determined. After finishing 3rd in her heat, she was knocked into the repo rounds, but her fighting spirit is still strong. She’ll be surfing in the repo round at 5:15 pm SA time, aiming for a 1st or 2nd place to secure her spot in the highly anticipated Over-50 Women’s final. Let’s keep cheering her on as she pushes through with the heart of a true champion!