Twin sisters from Somerset West are riding the perfect wave of opportunity as they prepare to dive head first into the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand this November.
However, to keep their championship dreams afloat, Zoë and Kendra Beresford are reaching out to the Helderberg community for a lifeline. The talented lifesaving duo has launched a Back-a-Buddy crowdfunding campaign, hoping the local community will help them navigate the financial currents of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I feel extremely privileged and proud to be able to represent my country,” says Kendra. “This is something I have been working towards for a very long time, so I was incredibly happy and proud of myself.”
Zoë shares in the enthusiasm, viewing this opportunity not only as validation of their dedication and hard work but as a chance to showcase their talent.
The 18-year-old sisters’ love for lifesaving started through family influence, having cousins who encouraged them. This initial exposure sparked personal interest that gradually deepened into genuine passion through first-hand experience. The pair have now been committed to the sport for seven years, channeling their dedication as members of Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
“It’s wonderful to have a consistent training partner. Having my sister there to support me and push me during training makes all the difference,” Zoë reckons.
Together they train six times a week and include track sessions, hill sprints, weight and beach training, and active recovery on respective days.
The twins train under three dedicated coaches: Adnaan Benjamin, who focuses on developing their agility, skills and techniques on the beach; Mohammed Ally, who puts them through rigorous track sessions to build speed and endurance; and their father, Paul, providing motivation and pushing them to unlock their full potential.
“All of our coaches have played a crucial role in our success, and without their guidance and support, we never would have made the South African team,” adds Zoë.
When asked about the sacrifices required to reach this level of competition, Kendra acknowledged the demanding journey while emphasising that every sacrifice has been worthwhile. “I’ve woken up early for training sessions before university, pushed through late evening workouts when exhausted, and missed social events to compete, rest properly, or attend training sessions. Without these sacrifices, I never would have achieved what I have.”
Zoë further expresses gratitude for their family’s support which has played a big role in their joint lifesaving journeys.
“My parents give up every Sunday to take my sister and me to training, and they spend most of their day waiting for our sessions to end. They’re at every lifesaving competition to watch and support us, and they’ve financially supported us through all the expenses – coaches, equipment, kit, travel and food costs. Without my parents’ support, I wouldn’t be competing at this level.”
Beaming with pride over her daughters’ remarkable achievement, mom Lisa reflects: “We are incredibly proud to have watched our girls grow from strength to strength in lifesaving. They set their sights on representing South Africa, stayed dedicated, trained relentlessly, and accomplished exactly what they dreamed of achieving.”
The dedicated athletes share ambitious goals for the upcoming competition at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November. Both sisters aim to secure a top-eight finish in sprints and flags. “I want to enter the competition with a strong and confident mindset and perform at my best,” explains Zoë. “I’m also excited to meet athletes from other countries and learn what I need to improve on and identify my strengths.”
Kendra echoes her sister’s determination: “I want to compete at the best of my ability and give everything I have.”
Looking beyond the competition, both competitors have set their sights on the ultimate prize: making the SA team for the 2026 World Lifesaving Championships. They view the New Zealand challenge as crucial preparation for elevating their performance on the global stage.
Lisa is appealing to local businesses and individuals for support with fundraising. “As the saying goes, it takes a village,” she emphasises.
Each athlete representing Lifesaving SA must self-fund their expenses, with costs reaching about R80 000 per person for flights, accommodation, entry fees, meals, training camps and official team clothing.
The twins are actively fundraising through multiple initiatives. Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club is hosting a raffle featuring prizes donated by each club representative, while Zoë and Kendra are organising their own community raffle with prizes sourced from local businesses.
Both sisters have established Back-a-Buddy crowdfunding campaigns:
– Zoë’s campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/zos-journey-to-new-zealand; and
– Kendra’s campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/kendras-lifesaving-new-zealand-dream-fund.
- For more information or enquiries, send an email to Lisa on Lisa.Beresford@masana.biz.
