Hi Jovan.
Thank you for your input.
Yes, during Trial 1 the waves were a bit mush weren't they and we were pretty bleak that the predicted swell didn't arrive as anticipated.
When calling the venue we have to take all factors into consideration days before the event and monitor them for changes up until and including making spot checks on the morning of the comp. For that Sunday a 4.4m SW swell at 11 seconds with gale force South East winds were predicted and the wind did pump, which probably destroyed the swell on it's way in. We did have a spotter at Glen Beach, who informed us that the swell was 2 to 3 foot and not brilliant. We checked Melkbos and on the way there noticed that in indicator reef to the left of Robben Island (when standing on Blouberg Beach), was breaking, which to locals is a clear sign that swell is on it's way.
There aren't many spots around Cape Town that can handle a gale force SE. Melkbos is one of them and we needed a spot that could handle the wind for the majority of the day and offer riders contestable waves for the length of the competition.
Glen Beach can handle SE, but not incredibly strong SE. Can you remember The Cape Classic 2007? It was blown out to the max with kelp rolling down the beach the wind was that strong...and how were the waves?
Not great if you ask me.
Hoek is a brilliant wave, but it is OUT OF BOUNDS as far as holding competitions are concerned because of the very strict nature conservation policy of the area. Yes, it is somewhat of a nature reserve.
Long Beach. WP Surfing held their trials at long beach on that day and i have read elsewhere that the line up was packed with riders all grovelling and burning each other. So Long Beach couldn't happen and they didn't have much luck when it came to clearing the water for their trial.
Llandudno solid 6 foot and still good throughout the day?
What about the Boys & Ladies Divisions?
We have to consider them. Besides that, didn't some locals go hit up Sandy's after the Trial? My question is, that if Llands was so good, why did they go to Sandy's and run the risk of seeing winky, which, so i am told, did happen?
Running Trials is a risky thing at best and very rarely will everything flow smoothly as someone isalways bound to be upset.
What were the conditions like at last years SA Champs?
Cranking 6 foot bowls, with massive barrels and launchpad ramps? Nope, not what i saw, riders had to grovel and perhaps that is what Trials should be about - 50% good surf 50% grovel. In that way we on the committee can select the best team suited to both conditions. There is very little point in selecting someone who can only ride well on perfect waves because, lets be honest, the majority of contests are not held in prime conditions. In my opinion riders need to be able to shine in slop just as much as they do in perfect surf.
Last year we got it pretty good. First Trial good Hoek, Second Trial Prime Melkbos, check this link for the photos if you weren't there, Third Trial Great Yzers, till the mist rolled in and pretty good Derdesteen for the re-run. Trial 4 was the only one where the waves weren't great and guys had to battle the kooks at Big Bay - Spex still managed to get shacked and land a sick flip to finish his ride.
Like i say - shine in slop.
As for holding events at prime locations in prime surf.
Such contests always work best with a window period, eg - The Nomad Kalk Bay Shoot-Out, and we just don't have the time to be on standby for a month or two in order to run one Trial.
I like to see bodyboarding done of class waves and if they are available next weekend we will ride them.
Lets see how things turn out for next weekend, but it looks pretty flat for now...pray that the midweek swell hits late.
Regards,
Gareth White
WPBA Media Liaison.
Melkbos Trial 2:
Aadam Grant - prime!
Wes Potts
Josh Kleeve
Unknown
but the next trials bring it on maybe i will get 300% which im aiming for 
