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.
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!
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.
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| Hank and Matt, always paddle to paddle, racing it out recently |
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!
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