A Hermanus High School alumnus continues to make his hometown proud on the international stage.
The waves off Morocco’s Atlantic coast witnessed something truly special last weekend as “local boy” Tristan Lee Roberts once again proved why he’s considered one of bodyboarding’s greatest talents, claiming victory at the prestigious 2026 Morocco World Bodyboarding Championship.
The 29-year-old delivered a masterclass performance that had the bodyboarding world buzzing.
“I’ve been watching events since I was a kid, but I never fully understood how hard it is to win one until experiencing it myself. It can look easy when you’re watching the best in the world do what they do, but there’s so much that goes into every result.”
This latest triumph adds to Roberts’ already impressive trophy cabinet, which includes world titles from 2019 and 2022. His first championship came after victories at both the Itacoatiara Pro and the Gran Canaria Fronton King, where he defeated two-time world champion Amaury Lavernhe in a thrilling final.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced this feeling 10 times. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Let’s see how many more I can chase. This is going to be a long year chasing down my third world title, I appreciate having you guys in my corner.”
Roberts, who took the bodyboarding world by storm after finishing school, has long been the pride and joy of Hermanus. His journey from riding the local waves of Hermanus to conquering international championships serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the Overberg region.
“Tristan embodies everything we love about Hermanus,” said a spokesperson from his former school, “determination, passion, and an unbreakable connection to the ocean. He’s proof that dreams born in our coastal town can reach the highest peaks of international sport.”
The Morocco Championship served as the opening event of the 2026 IBC World Tour season for both Junior Men and Men divisions, making Roberts’ victory even more significant as the first scoring event of the year.
Athlete seeding was based on the final 2025 IBC World Rankings, and Roberts proved once again why he’s consistently ranked among the world’s true elite.
With the 2026 season now officially underway Roberts has set the pace early for what promises to be another exciting year of competition.
The bodyboarding community will be watching closely as he seeks to defend his newly-won title throughout the season.
For Hermanus Roberts’ continued success on the world stage serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that emerges from South Africa’s coastal communities.
As he represents the present and future of bodyboarding, one thing is certain – the waves of Onrus helped shape a true world champion.
The 2026 IBC World Tour continues with upcoming events across the globe. Follow Tristan Roberts’ championship campaign as he looks to add to his growing legacy.
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