Surfing is a family thing for the Palmboom's. Rudy's dad (also Rudy) is a surfer and his younger sister Heidi is very competitive too. "When I was about 5 years old my Dad took me surfing with him. He always loved it, and although I was pretty scared of the sea he took me anyway. I used to try and catch a wave just to try and get away from him (laughs). Then I stood for the first time and I remember thinking 'hmm, this isn't too scary, it's great!"
 
Rudy Palmboom is one of SA's top junior surfers. Born and bred on the Bluff in Durban (which he claims is still his favourite break), surfing since the age of 5, Rudy says "you don't surf for the sake of it; you do it because you love it." He plans on competing in the Junior circuit for a couple more years before tackling World Qualifying Series (WQS).
 
 "I try to be as consistent as I can be. It's such a good feeling to win contests. I know I have the ability and I want to put it up there and win."