Hank is Champ!

Hank Mcgregor hits the beach at La Mercy. Unchallenged!

Well the most notable thing about the Dunlop Surfski World Cup was the lack of weather! Although the swell was pretty sizeable, the howling westerly did not arrive, making for a hard paddle up the coast for most with only the fastest paddlers being able to pick up help from the moving ocean.
Hank McGregor triumphed again and even had the luxury of a moment to compose himself before running up the beach to the line.
Matt Bouman overhauled Dawid Mocke in the late stages of the race for 2nd while Dawid completed the podium.
Michelle Eray won the ladies race comfortably from Nikki Mocke.  Apparently Michelle put 7 minutes on some fairly competitive male paddlers between Umhlanga and La Mercy!
The race will be remembered for the thrills and spills at the finish.  The tricky break at La Mercy made it difficult to exit a ski gracefully. The shorebreak pounding onto bare sand broke many boats and had a high proportion of paddlers scrambling up and down the beach grabbing their equipment. Any photographers on the beach would have snapped some comical shots.

With the Discovery Sunglass hut Surfski series drawing to a close in the next few weeks, attention will soon turn towards the "flatwater" marathon season, and then preparations for the 30th Hansa Fish!

Dunlop Surf Ski World Cup... in the hands of the weather gods

This weekend sees the biggest Surfski race, in the planet's Surfski mecca- Durban.
The likes of Hank McGregor, Dawid Mocke, Matt Boumann, Sean Rice, Tom Schilperoot, Barry Lewin and many more will be lining up to compete for the prestigious title.

Hank and Matt, always paddle to paddle, racing it out recently

I know for a fact that big Matt Bouman wants the title badly, having missed out narrowly last year in a sprint up the beach and having come 2nd on more than one occasion.
Hank the tank is flying.  Recently crowned SA K1 river champion and with a few hectic weeks of competition ahead, he is well prepared and will be difficult to beat.
"The daddy" Dawid Mocke has the sea knowledge and racing experience to keep his nose upfront, and he will doubtless be in the mix.
No idea who of the overseas contingent might be in Durban, but my bet is on Hank, Matt and Dawid to fill the podium in the Mens race.  Michelle Eray and Nikki Mocke will doubtless fight out the women's crown.

Strangely for Durban, the weather looks like having the biggest say.  Usually enjoying mild winters with gentle winds and clean, moderate swell, this weekend the winter south-westerly is scheduled to blast through at 35 knots.  Paddlers will be hoping it doesn't blow that strong during the race itself, and the forecast has the wind dropping to 15-20 knots during the race.  Either way, the wind is whipping up some huge swell and heights of over 3,5m are predicted.  This will make the race an exciting downwind ride and coming in through the surf tricky. Spectators may see some spectacular carnage on the beach regardless of what condition dependant finish venue is chosen.  I wouldn't be surprised to see the likes of Oscar Chalupsky, Herman Chalupsky and Mark Lewin high up in the results.  The conditions will make it tough and the experienced heads will shine through.

Good luck paddlers. I'll be watching the show from the beach!

Dr. and Mrs. Clifton 11/6/11



The wedding party

Claire Mercer is now Mrs. Claire Clifton! My beautiful bride and I were married on 11 June and we had a fantastic fun day.  A massive thank you to everyone who helped us on the day.

Tying the knot!

The big day is almost here! This saturday the 11th of June, I will be marrying my super special fiance Claire.

Out on a Regent's training run before 2 Oceans

Plans have all been made and its just the last few little things that need doing.
At 2 pm the band will strike up "here comes the bride" and Claire will walk down the aisle.
We'll be off on honeymoon for next week.
Only 2 more sleeps!