Sport Mixes it Up with Beauty Search

Written by Olivia Jones Communications

Friday, 21 August 2009 15:19

The Saltwater Girl Model Search presented by Perfect Touch is an annual event through which SWG travels across South Africa recently in the search to discover unconventional beauty. Finalists needed to have that touch of spunk, pure stoke and added x-factor of being a true Saltwater Girl. The only pre-requisite for entering the SWG Model Search was that you were not already signed to an agency and fell between the ages of 14 and 22.

Ten girls were chosen from across the country and flown to Durban for a week of magic; living the SWG lifestyle at the 2009 Saltwater Girl Experience. Six days, boxes of apparel (that the finalists got to take home), tons of adventure, freebies and an excessive amount of fun and laughter were just a few of the exciting things that formed part of this year’s Saltwater Girl Experience.

But the Experience is about so much more than just that. Imagine a dream coming true, friends being made, confidence shooting through the roof and self-respect rising to a whole new level. That is what 10 lucky Saltwater Girl readers experienced. See letter from 16-year-old Ashleigh Arton from Cape Town.

“I just wanted to send a mail thanking you all for the most amazing week. I had no idea what an eye-opening, exhilarating, wonderful and fun experience this was going to be when I signed up and now I am so happy that I did. I know how much organising, planning and work went into the SWG Experience and I just want to show my appreciation for all your hard work.

“This week has taught me so much and allowed me to grow as a person. I feel more confident in myself and happy with who I am. I can now leave my fringe up and actually expose my forehead and eyebrows(!), strut my stuff on a runway, jump off a cliff, surf, skateboard (kind of), flowride, rock climb, scuba dive and just have all the fun in the world.

On this trip I met so many new awesome people that I will never forget and learned that anybody can do anything if they put their mind to it. So thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the SWG Experience and take part in the most fantastic week! Lots of love and thanks, Ash.”

The Last Day of the SWG Experience ended with a Saltwater GIRL ‘Word on the Street’ fashion show presented by Tropitone at Wavehouse, Gateway. This gave the crowds a sneak peak into the hottest street, skate and surf wear for the upcoming season from SWG Experience clothing sponsors Billabong, Roxy, DC, VonZipper and Jockey.

Esjay from Stealing Love Jones gave a great performance as MC. For most of the girls, this was the first time strutting their stuff down a runway but hours of rehearsing paid off and the show was a huge success. Top Durban band Sheep Down ended off the night with a rocking set and catchy stage presence.