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Central Kwa-Zulu Natal win SA Champs

Source: www.sabaonline.co.za

posted by Darryn Stephen on 2nd October 2006

The 20th Annual SA Bodyboarding Championships was not only a huge anniversary year but it brought with it some big changes. As a team competition the contest is only competed by those which qualify through their provincial trials and it was for this reason that SA Champs was dropped from the SABA circuit - a circuit which is now open to all individuals. Further change was introduced to the points system which determines the team award. Unlike past years where only rounds 1 & 2 counted, it was now the riders' final results which would count towards the team award - meaning that the team contest would continue until the final heat. Larger divisions such as Pro & Juniors have always attracted greater interest and the new scoring system reflects this by introducing a points system which takes into account the number of riders competing awarding the winner of a large division with more points than a winner of a small division.

The new scoring system allowed for a few tactical team selections in the lead up to the event but it was CKZN who triumphed, retaining their title for the fouth consecutive year with 24637 points. The team really put the nail in the coffin when they entered the Pro finals of this years SA champs with three members of their team, having them take the three top spots also helped their cause.

Second place went to the SKZN team with 21699 points. The team will really be looking to win the title next year after a defeat this close.

Western Province took the third place position with 20632 points, not to be left in the dark though with riders like Daniel Worsley and Sacha Specker in the Pro Division and a schools league that is growing every year the future of Western Province is looking bright.

Eastern Province had 15906 points putting them in fourth place. Marc Jucker is one of the top riders in the EP team and from speaking to him; this team will be e team to watch out for in the future.

Southern Cape ended with14873 points to take fifth place. The women’s division will be dominated in a few years if Southern Cape keep up there efforts like they did this year, having three of the top four finalists in the U16 girls division all form their region.

Boland took the sixth place position with 11851 points, narrowly defeating NKZN. This victory over the NKZN team will fuel more energy and passion into the team, and will see them push themselves in next year’s circuit.

NKZN had 11599 filling in the final position. With a narrow defeat to the Boland team NKZN will be fighting to take a higher position next year.

Mark McCarthy (Richards Bay, NKZN) picked up the "Factory 7 Rider of the Contest" award for his explosive riding throughout the event. McCarthy was knocked out in the Pro semi-finals, finishing a commendable 7th overall but this prestigious title is awarded to the rider who leaves the biggest impression on the event and it was McCarthy's first round heat where he annihilated his opponents in some big, challenging conditions where he landed a huge invert and big air-roll-spin (ARS) which contributed massively to him winning this award.

Team Results:

1. Central Kwa-Zulu Natal 24637
2. Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal 21699
3. Western Province 20632
4. Eastern Province 15906
5. Southern Cape 14873
6. Boland 11851
7. Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal 11599

Factory 7 Rider of the Contest: Mark McCarthy (Richards Bay, NKZN)

This years SA Bodyboarding Championships sponsors were SCIENCE Bodyboards, REEF Westsuits and apparel, www.FACTORY7.co.za, ENVIRON, Arnette, Spar and Realty1. Thank you for your support, without which the event could not have been held.

Issued on behalf of:

SABA

Issued by:

Darryn Stephen
SABA SA Bodyboarding Championships Media Liaison
Mobile: 072 511 1578
Email: [email protected]

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