Penny Stemmet (WC) in action in classic Scottburgh surf- Pic Matt Lamont
The longboarding, stand up paddlesurfing, waveski surfing and kitesurfing competitors taking part in this year’s ninth edition of the Jeep Apparel South Coast Surf Carnival were greeted by near-perfect conditions at Scottburgh's main beach on the opening day of the two day event (26-27 November). Three to four foot waves were the order of the day at Scottburgh, with the light Easterly wind that picked up doing little to affect the amazing conditions. Brandon Ribbink (KZN), Dylan Macleod (EP) and Penny Stemmet (WP), all looked good in the opening rounds of the Men’s SUP, Men’s Open Longboard and Ladies Open Longboard divisions respectively.
At the time of going to press, the opening heats of the premier Men’s Open Longboard division were just taking to the water. Traditionally a hotly contested division, this year is no different with some of the sport’s top names to go head-to-head in a series of big name heats. Brandon Jackson (Durban), Josh Schmelzer (Durban) and Scottburgh local Casey Grant dominated the early Men’s Open Longboard heats, and perennial contenders Ross Lahana (WP) and Dylan Macleod (EP) will also be looking to claim a victory in this division.
As always, the popular South Cast Surf Carnival attracted a high quality field, replete with a host of South African and world champions. Current South African Longboard Champion Heather Klug (Glenwood) did enough to progress to the finals of the Ladies Longboard division, along with Penny Stemmet, Nikki Trickett (KZN) and Traci Lee Phillips (KZN). Stemmet had a busy day, having surfed her way to a heat victory in the Ladies SUP division, early on the opening day of the event. Stemmet will be back in the thick of the action tomorrow (Sunday 27 November) as she contests the Ladies Longboard and SUP finals. This year, the water sports festival was grown to include the KZN Waveski Open, a hotly contested division that attracted the likes of current New Age World and current #5 on the World Tour Andre Burger (Border), as well as accomplished Durban waterman Dean Bottcher.
In the Open division of the SUP contest, top contenders Brandon Ribbink (KZN) and father and son Dylan and Francois Frick (WP) all won their heats, and progressed to tomorrow’s semi-finals along with Grantley Read (KZN), Grant Roberts (KZN) and Donald Brierly (KZN).
The Men's Longboard Over 50 division saw some of the sports experienced old hands going toe to toe in the highly contestable surf. Colin Whitmore, Dave Hansen, Hugh Thompson (all Durban) and Bushy Greef (Zululand) will all be looking to end their weekend off on a high by claiming a victory in the final tomorrow. Justin Maisch (Mzumbe) is also looking like a title contender in the Men’s Longboard Over 35 division, having dominated his heat from start to finish late on day one of the event.
In the KZN Waveski Association Open event, Andre Burger (Border), Ian Macleod (PE), Doug Copeland (Cape Town) all made it through their heats on day one. According to Duane Schwarz, Chairman of KZN Waveski Association, “the high quality field and great conditions translated into some epic waveski action, and we are super excited to see what the guys produce tomorrow”.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s action, Scottburgh’s Main Beach is set to be a hub of activity starting at 07h30. The wind is expected to kick up later in the day, with event organisers looking to get the bulk of the semi-finals and finals completed in what is expected to be prime early morning conditions. The kiteboarding component of Jeep Apparel South Coast Surf Carnival will also kick off tomorrow (27 November), with contestants waiting for the strong North East wind expected to arrive at the south Coast around midday on Sunday 27 November.
Contest director Hugh Thompson said that “the conditions that greeted us at Scottburgh’s Main Beach were incredible, probably the best conditions that this event has seen over its nine year history. Thankfully we have a top quality field to take full advantage of what Mother Nature dished up, and the crowds soaking up the sun at Scottburgh’s Main Beach were treated to some great surfing. We are really excited about seeing some of South Africa’s top ocean athletes battling it out for South Coast Surf Carnival glory tomorrow”.
The Jeep Apparel South Coast Surf Carnival also played host to the Sustainable Seas Trust’s (SST) SEA Pledge Coastal Road Tour. The campaign, which commenced in Port Elizabeth on 12 October, 2011 will see the SST team visit over 20 coastal towns on its way from Sodwana to Saldanha, collecting pledges from people, business and institutions who intend to increase their efforts at preserving our marine environments.
The Jeep Apparel South Coast Surf Carnival is sponsored by Jeep Apparel and the valued support sponsors include Independent on Saturday, Thule, Red Bull Mobile, Phatboyz, Wimpy, Bilt Surfboards, Carling Black Label, Natural Curve Surfboards, Ocean 2 Air Kitesurfing, Maisch Fins, Nestle Pure Life Water, Island Style, Pro Class Wetsuits, Thermo Plastic Concepts & Equipment (TCE), Bokomo and MacSki.
Ends
Issued on behalf of: Nerve Events
Press release compiled by:
Rob Evans
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell 082 677 8330
Work 031 303 9341
Email media@oliviajones.co.za
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