The 2008 edition of the South Coast Surf Carnival, presented by Jeep Apparel and the Independent on Saturday, was blessed with perfect conditions over both days this past weekend, with Durban’s Jason Ribbink taking full advantage to snatch the SALSA (South African Longboard Surfing Association) sanctioned Premier open division.
In the race to capture the first-ever stand up paddleboard (SUP) title in South Africa, Dylan McCleod (Eastern Cape) was clearly the most consistent performer and rightly claimed the prestigious title and the main prize of a BILT SUP valued at R12 500.
In addition to the longboard and SUP divisions, the crowd at Scottburgh’s main beach witnessed some radical maneuvers in the longest-running kitesurfing event in the country, thanks in part to the strong south-westerly wind that blew all Sunday.
Here, Craig Chrystal (Durban) and Lyle Bottcher (Durban North) took 1st and 2nd place respectively in the men’s open event, whilst Nicole Annells (Warner Beach) triumphed in the ladies division defeating pre-event favorite Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod (Amanzimtoti).
Bryce Rawlins (Umhlanga) cemented his position as one of the country’s leading up and coming kitesurfers when he successfully defended his junior title.
In the longboarding event, a ladies division, as well as a grandmasters (age 35+) and over 50 division were contested. The competition was strong due to the large field, and it was Zanie Cawood (Durban) who clinched victory in the ladies' event. Brandon Ribbink (Morningside) came out firing in the final of the grandmasters division, and managed to outscore Craig Daniel (Bluff) in a closely fought heat.
In the over 50 division, Mike Patterson (Umdloti) showed that age is no obstacle as he powered his way to the title.
Contest director Hugh Thompson was right in saying that “all the elements came together - wind, waves, and spectators - which made the event an amazing spectacle”. Thompson regarded the competitive introduction of SUP as “a roaring success”, setting a precedent for future South African SUP events.
As the day progressed, “the wind came through for the kiteboarding guys, and the surf got bigger which added to an already exciting final”.
Michael Bertram CEO of South Coast Tourism commented on what was “an awesome weekend! It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves in the south coast sunshine, and the waves for the longboarding final came to the party at just the right time”. He offered his congratulations to Nerve Events “for taking this event from strength to strength.”