Perfect Conditions for Longboarders, Kiteboarders and SUP at South Coast

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
6 November 2010
 
Perfect Conditions for Longboarders, Kiteboarders and SUP at South Coast
Surf Carnival

Textbook perfect conditions greeted competitors on day one (Saturday) of the
South Coast Surf Carnival presented by Jeep Apparel and the Independent on
Saturday at Scottburgh beach on the KZN south coast. Fun one-metre waves,
sunshine, strong offshore winds and clean water set the scene for the
opening rounds of the longboarding, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding
(SUP) events.

"All three wave-riding disciplines made the most of the fantastic conditions
on Saturday; there was enough wind for the kiteboarders and decent surf for
the SUP and longboarding competitors as well. We have seen some high scoring
rides and are in for a treat with the finals on today around lunchtime,"
commented South Coast Surf Carnival Contest Director Hugh Thompson.

In the men's open longboarding heats, 2006 South Coast Surf Carnival
champion and former SA Longboarding Champion Dylan McLeod (Humewood, PE)
excelled in the early rounds as did Cape Town star Justin Bing (Noordhoek).
Brad Trickett (Morningside) also won his opening clash.

Perennial favourite and multiple SA champion Lisa Smith (Sherwood) set the
pace in the ladies longboarding division with famous shortboard surfer and
national team member Sarah Baum (Amanzimtoti) rising to the occasion with
some big turns which saw her win her round one tussle. Out of town
longboarder Chelsea van Rooyen (Kommetjie) ousted some of the KZN women in
the earlier heats and looks set to give the others a run for their money
today.

The standard of surfing in the over 35 and over 50 longboarding divisions
was impressive in the wind-affected conditions later in the day. The finals
are bound to be closely contested amongst the country's most experienced
surfers.

Round one of the SUP division saw some outstanding performances from Glen
Thompson (Camps Bay), Brandon Ribbink (Morningside), Gigs Cilliers
(Bloubergstrand) and Chris Bertish (Seapoint) who are amongst the favourites
tipped to win today (Sunday).

The kiteboarders faced difficult launches in the south westerly wind which
gusted up to 40 knots at times. The men's event was dominated by top north
coast competitors Lyle Bottcher (Umhlanga), Brett Pengelly (Durban North),
Rob Crystal (Umhlanga) and Marc Warner (Umhlanga). The ladies and juniors
fared well and are looking forward to today's north easterly wind.

The development surfing clinics were well attended with many youngsters
catching their very first waves and getting hooked on the sport of surfing.
The lessons are free and open to all members of the public again today
(Sunday).

The South Coast Surf Carnival is sponsored by Independent on Saturday and
Jeep Apparel. Contributing sponsors to the event are: Island Style, Pick'n
Pay Scottburgh, Bilt Surfboards, Thermo Plastic Concepts & Equipment (TCE),
Maisch Fins, Nestle Pure Life Water, Natural Curve Surfboards, Bokomo, Ocean
2 Air Kitesurfing, Pro Class Wetsuits, Phatboyz, Carling Black Label.

Ends
Issued on behalf of:
Paul Godwin/ Nerve Events

Press release compiled and released by:
Olivia Symcox
Cell 082 537 8840
Email oj@oliviajones.co.za