Nerve Events

Sandra Pienaar (EP) The only Ladies entry into the event Sandra is ready to 

do battle with the men. pics Rory Taylor, Below Doug Copeland (Border) 

Durban Warms up for the Surf Carnival


Following the weekend's chilly weather, Durban is busy warming up ahead of the Durban Surf Carnival presented by Jeep Apparel which will be taking place at New Pier from 15 to 17 June 2012. Consisting of a longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and wave ski event, the surf carnival has attracted the country's best wave riders to compete. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to take part in free 'learn to surf lessons' which will be taking place on the beach over the weekend.

The Mad Dog Surf School will be providing surfing lessons to anyone that is interested in learning how to surf. Shaun Sellman and his team of professional surfing instructors will be on hand on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to offer advice and a lesson. “The public can expect to stand up and catch a wave in the first hour, that is my guarantee,” commented Shaun Sellman, who went on to say, “all you need to do is bring your costumes and a towel, it's free so come down to give it a go and see if you enjoy it”.

With all of the competitors moving onto the beachfront this week in preparation for the contest, there is a lot of last minute practicing going down and the event area is also under construction. The carnival will be officiated by popular Durban surfing personality and administrator Anne Wright.

“I’m really looking forward to running an event of this stature especially with the different disciplines. We are usually blessed with great waves at this time of the year so with the beautiful weather and excellent surf conditions, the surfers and spectators can look forward to an awesome three days at New Pier,” commented Wright.

One of the leading contenders for the SUPSA SA champs is Brandon Ribbink who said, “I am ready for the Durban Surf Carnival, winter in KZN always has great surf conditions so I have had good opportunities to prepare for this year's event. As far as the change of venue from the south coast to Durban goes, I really think that it is being hosted at the perfect venue, it’s much better.  I am also glad that the event has been moved forward this year to June as the waves are bound to be consistent.”

Another National title event will be battled out in the Waveski SA Open Event. South Africa’s top riders are expected to attend with last year's Carnival Waveski Champion Andre Burger (EP) ready to defend his title, another top contender is internationally ranked Doug Copeland of Border who is a 2 times SA Masters champion, and currently ranked 8th in the World.

“The competitors are ecstatic about being able to compete at New Pier, they are also very grateful to the locals for their patience over the three days and we have a great contingent of local surfers taking part too," said Doug Copeland.

The Durban Surf Carnival showcases lesser known wave riding sports and has been endorsed by the City of Durban, "Surf City", with its ongoing goal to market Durban as a surfing destination for all ocean-user groups.

The event will offer other prizes to members of the public taking part in the ‘Snapshot’ photo competition.

The Waveski event is sanctioned  by the SA Waveski Surfing Association.

Sponsors include the City of Durban - Durban “the warmest place to be”, Jeep Apparel, and the Independent on Saturday

Support sponsors are Red Bull, Thule, Naish SUP, Natural Curve Surfboards, Nestle Pure Life Water, Bokomo, Container Conversions, Mad Dog Surf School, Maisch Fins, Nescafe, Pro Class Wetsuits, Thermo Plastic Concepts & Equipment (TCE), Carling Black Label and Nando’s.

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