Ingemar Cressey

Ingemar Cressey (born 26 February 1980 in East London, South Africa) is a semi professional surfer from East London, South Africa. Cressey and his wife, Claire live in Cardiff, Wales. He is currently competing on the 2008 BPSA UK Pro Surf Tour.

Early life and family

Cressey was born "Ingemar Cressey" on 26 February 1980 in East London, South Africa. He was named after the Swedish boxer Ingemar Johansson and is the youngest of five children. He attended Hudson Park High School and stirling primary school in East London, South Africa.

Cressey started surfing at the age of 9. After a run of successful wins at local Grommet contests he was picked up by Billabong at just 11 years old, securing a 5-year sponsorship deal with them, representing his province as part of the Border team annually from this time.

In 1991 he became South African Champion for under 12's, beating now pro surfer David Weare (2008 winner of the Quiksilver Pro part of the ASP World Tour), and securing second place in the contest the following year. At the same time he found local fame at age 13, as the youngest competitor to secure entry to the Billabong Pro in 1993.

At age 15 his achievements reached new heights, representing his country as a member of the South African Junior Surfing Team, competing in the infamous Jeffrey's Bay. The following year he was competing in Brazil as part of the South African Schools Team.

During this time he accumulated a variety of awards in surfing, as a member of Hudson Park High School (SA) as well as from the United Surfing Council of South Africa. These included 1st for Team Surfing, National Colours Award for Surfing, Best Junior Surfer, and Most Outstanding Surfer.

In his early 20s Ingemar took a break from competitive surfing, taking time out to travel the world whilst working as a qualified lifeguard in South Africa, Dubai and the Bahamas. Returning to South Africa in 2005 he started competing again, securing second place as part of his provincial team in the 2006 South African Surfing Champs competition.

In April 2008 Cressey entered the BPSA UK Pro Surf Tour, narrowly missing out on the Quarter Finals at the first event, the Saltrock Open at Croyde Bay.

Ingemar Cressey has taken time out from competitive surfing since early 2009, to concentrate on the launch and development of Cressey's Surf Academy in June 2009, offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn to surf in Wales. Cressey also specialises in coaching advanced and competitive surfers.

Personal life

Cressey married his Welsh wife, in Cardiff on 3 November 2007.

His favourite waves are Supertubes, Jeffery's Bay and Gonoubie Reef, East London.

He is also a qualified Fitness Instructor, BSA Surf Coach and Lifeguard.