By Cale Nuttall
“The last two months we’ve just been climbing,” Dieter said, reflecting on the team’s journey adding, "We’ve gone from the bottom quarter to the top quarter this season."
For Dieter Blignaut and Max Van Der Walt, the 2024 King of the Waves marked more than just another race weekend—it was the culmination of a season filled with growth, challenges, and milestones.
Dieter, an experienced racer, and Max, a 16-year-old newcomer, teamed up in the beginning of this season to compete in the Stock class. Despite various obstacles, they climbed the ranks and proved to be a force to be reckoned with at this year’s King of the Waves.
Team Thundercat’s Performance at King of the Waves
The King of the Waves offered close-up action as teams raced to prove their skills in a friendly tournament held over two days. Their weekend started strong, with a first-place finish in their opening surf race. Reflecting on their performance, Max shared that the King of the Waves has been the highlight of his debut season in the sport.
Dieter and Max competed in the Stock class and achieved third place overall on Day 1, an impressive feat in their final event of the year—even though the results won’t count toward their season standings.
On Day 2, they were well on their way to landing on the podium once again, placing third in their first race. For their second surf race of the day they were in second place until the race was restarted. They managed to place third in that race as well after a battle for the position. Unfortunately, they flipped on their last race. Dieter noted, "Day 2 didn't go as planned." Dieter added that "We had some big waves, big knocks and lots of fun!".
Their Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
Max joined Dieter as his co-pilot at the beginning of the season, stepping into the world of inflatable boat racing as soon as he turned 16 and qualified to compete. Max’s enthusiasm for the sport made him an easy choice for Dieter, despite his inexperience. The combination of fast-paced motorsports and the unpredictability of watersports drew Max to the sport.
“I love the water, and I love the waves,” Max said. “It’s super-fast, it’s fun, I love the speed—I just love everything about it.”
Earlier this year, Max faced a setback when he tore a rib muscle, keeping him off the boat for two months. This experience deepened his respect for the sport and taught him resilience. Dieter credits their improvement to resilience and teamwork. Teamwork plays an integral role in this sport, in terms of performance and safety. Dieter stated, “If you want to win or achieve podium, you have to work together.”
Dieter’s journey in inflatable boat racing began three years ago, although motorsports and watersports have been lifelong passions. After Dieter’s son was born, he reluctantly retired from rally racing. Two years later he decided that he needed a new challenge and because inflatable powerboat racing had been something he always wanted to try his hand at, he pursued it.
“Being by the coast, you always see these races, and it was something I always wanted to do,” Dieter said. “That’s how we started this.”
Dieter and his co-pilot achieved moderate success in his debut season in the Stock class. This surprising success in the sport encouraged Dieter and his teammate to skip the Pro Stock class and enter the Modified class for the next season, pitting them against some of the top dogs of the sport. Although they did relatively well, staying in the middle of the class for the entire season, after receiving advice from his mentor, Dieter decided that it would be wise to move back to the standard class where he might be more competitive.
Challenges of the 2024 Season
For Max and Dieter, this season brought its unique hurdles. Dieter noted their weight disparity as one of the team’s main challenges: “We obviously aren’t the perfect combination weight-wise,” he said. In inflatable boat racing, the balance of the boat is critical in gaining speed and control, and an optimal weight ratio can make a significant difference. “We’ve had to learn to work around it, but we’re getting there.”
The sport’s physical and mental demands also tested the duo. While Dieter’s extensive motorsports background made pushing his limits second nature, Max was still learning to navigate these challenges. Nevertheless, their teamwork and shared determination helped them overcome obstacles and improve throughout the season.
“The last two months, we’ve just been climbing and climbing and climbing. We’ve gone from the bottom quarter to the top quarter this season.” - Dieter Blignaut
A Season of Growth
“This sport is mentally challenging, physically demanding, and tests your equipment,” Dieter said. He believes their improvement stems from their ability to adapt and grow as a team.
Since Max’s return from injury, he has displayed a newfound mental toughness. Their dynamic has “clicked,” as Dieter put it, with Max learning to push through fatigue and pain—qualities Dieter has long mastered.
Support from Family and Friends
Max’s journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his family and friends. Matt, one of the many family friends who came to support Max and Dieter stated, “Max started liking this sport and his family is here to support him.”
Dieter’s family has been instrumental in his journey, their unwavering support spanning from the dusty edges of rally tracks to the salty breezes of beachfront powerboat races. Despite not having a background in motorsports, they have always stood by him, cheering loudly from the sidelines and pitching in wherever needed.
Max and Dieter’s story exemplifies how inflatable powerboat racing fosters brotherhood and mentorship. In this sport, young enthusiasts like Max can start as co-pilots as early as 16, gaining valuable experience while developing essential motorsport and life skills. Brendan Kelly encapsulated this dynamic, saying, “The older guys are always willing to help the new blood.”
The camaraderie within the sport is truly distinctive, with racers not only competing but actively supporting each other. Whether it’s helping to flip a boat after an accident or sharing spare parts, this spirit of teamwork builds a strong sense of community and unity among competitors.
Acknowledging the Team Behind the Team
Dieter made a point of expressing gratitude for the team and sponsors who made their season possible. Reflecting on their journey during the King of the Waves, he shared on social media: “Just a huge shoutout to my team and sponsors. This wouldn't be possible without you.”
Their sponsors, including Pro Oil SA, Chaotic Racing, Thundercat Inflatables, and Adi Stache Miller, have been instrumental in supporting the team. The camaraderie extended not just within the racing community but also through their partnerships, reinforcing the essential teamwork and dedication that drive their success.
Laying the Foundation for a Bright Future
For Max, this season has laid the groundwork for a promising future. He aims to dominate the Stock class before progressing to Pro Stock and, eventually, the Modified division.
For Dieter, mentoring Max has rekindled his passion for the sport. “Once we started getting things to work, seeing how excited he gets, when we achieve something, it gives you a bit of a smile on your face,” he said. With future seasons on the horizon, their journey in inflatable boat racing is far from over.
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