Wedge Classic - A new King is Crowned
Source: www.sabaonline.co.za
posted by Gareth White on 15th July 2007
Wesley Fischer, of Central Kwa-Zulu Natal has been crowned as this years "King of the Wedge", at an awards ceremony held on Saturday 15 July.
The awards were held to conclude the running of the 4A rated Wedge Classic Bodyboarding Contest which took place this past week, 10-13 July in the tranquil coastal town of Plettenburg Bay.
The Wedge Classic, as it is known has been held in Plettenburg Bay for the past thirteen years, making it the longest running contest on the South African Bodyboarding Association Tour (SABA).
The event draws the attention of many of South Africa's top bodyboarders and has over the years developed the reputation of having one of the most sought after titles.
Event organizer Steven Polinski, "This is the sixth year that we have been involved in the Wedge Classic and I can only say that it is getting better every year. This years contest was amazing, we were blessed with good swell throughout the event and the level of riding was World Class."
In a closely contested Pro Division final, Fischer was declared the overall winner and was judged to have executed the most radical manoeuvres on the most critical parts of the waves. Hot on his heels was fellow Central Kwa-Zulu Natal rider, Mark Watts who finished in second place with Justin Lindsay (EP) and Alistair Taylor (CKZN) finishing in third and fourth respectively.
"In my opinion the waves during this years Wedge Classic were the biggest and most consistent that I have ever seen. It was amazing to have been a part of this event. It was well run, the judging was very good because the judges were critical throughout, the sponsors were fantastic and there was a really good vibe on the beach. Firstly I would like to thank Jesus for this victory and my girlfriend for her support, next I have to say thank you to my sponsors Bad Boy, Hot Buttered Bodyboards and Hurricane-without you none of this would have been possible," commented a jubilant Fischer on his win.
Fischer recently won both the Pro and Drop-Knee Divisions at the 5A rated Durban Beach Festival event. With the points gained by winning back to back events on the SABA tour Fischer looks like he is in good form to challenge Alistair Taylor for the title of SABA Pro Division Champion.
The Juniors Division boasts some of South Africa's finest up and coming bodyboarding talent and this years final didn't disappoint. Riders battle one another until the final buzzer sounded, catching wave after wave and performing some truly amazing manoeuvres, but inevitably a winner had to be declared. This year the Juniors Division was won by Michael Ostler (CKZN), with Jared Houston (WP) coming in second, Jaryd Enslin in third and James Jones in fourth.
The Drop-Knee final was held in what can only be described as some of the most testing conditions encountered during the various finals. The waves seemed to disappear during the heat and riders were forced to patiently wait out the lulls in between sets in hope of catching the winning ride. Sacha Specker (WP) took home the title after impressing judges with his riding ability. David Lee came in second with Daniel Worsley (WP) in third and Plett local Chris Bosman (SC) taking fourth place.
Competition in the Mens Division has been fierce this year with many top-class riders participating in the division. Taking home the title of Mens Division Champion at this Years Wedge Classic was Ryan Jucker (EP). Jammie Higgins (WP), Wesley Samuels (SC) and JP Nortier (WP) finished in second, third and fourth respectively.
The ladies came out in full force to compete at the event and spectators were amazed by their whole hearted riding abilities, showing us all a thing or two about bodyboarding. The competition was so close that a draw was declared between first and second place. This forced totalisers to utilise the Plus-Minus system of scoring, where totals from more than two scoring rides are taken into consideration in order to declare a winner. The winner of the Ladies Division of this years Wedge Classic was Pamela Bowren (WP), with local rider Lyndall Pells (SC) placing second. Geline Derbyshire (SC) and Jocelyn Norton (SKZN) finished third and fourth respectively.
The Boys Division as always was closely watched by both parents and spectators alike, as it is our youth who determine the future of the sport. Taking top honours in the division was Jason Selby (WP), Murray van Vuuren came in second with Niklas Martin and Lyndsay Jennings coming in third and fourth. Judging from the standard set throughout the entire event, I can safely say that the future of bodyboarding in South Africa does look promising.
The Masters Division pits experience against the elements and this years Masters Division final was no different. Taking the podium in first place was Wesley McQuillan (SC), coming in second and earning himself valuable SABA points was Michael van Huyssteen. Steven Polinski and Allan Fourie finished in third and fourth respectively.
The winner of the Expression Session for 2007 was Vaughn Harris (WP).
The Road Warriors crew were up to something very special at the event. They were selling raffle ticket for a friend in need of support. Ivan Friedman is a well known bodyboarder who has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. With no medical aid to cover the costs of his treatment it was looking fairly bleak and with more tests needing to be done, Friedman needs all the help he can get. The grand prize of the raffle was a Vortex bodyboard, kindly donated by Wave-Crest Distributors. Winning the board was Dave Worsely, who generously chose to auction it off and donate the funds raised to Friedman. The bidding was intense with all jeering on the bidders to bid higher. After all was said and done, Brian Bailey won the board with his highest bid of R2100. Tickets for the raffle were sold at both of the recent SABA events, but it was at the Wedge that they crew came out in full force and managed to raise in excess of R10 000.
"It is wonderful that we were able to be of assistance to The Road Warriors and offer them the platform to broadcast Ivan's plight. The event as a whole has been unbelievable, the sponsors have been outstanding and we would like to thank FNB, Wave Crest Distribution, Debis Fleet Management, Robberg FineFoods, Red Bull, Formosa Inn, Maggies Kitchen and The Surf Shop in Plettenberg bay for their support. This event has helped to raise public awareness with regards to the sport of bodyboarding, so a big thank to all those involved with making it such a huge success," commented an exhausted Steven Polinski.
With the event now fading into the fond memories of all involved, eyes are now focussing on the South African Bodyboarding Championships due to take place in Plettenburg Bay later this year.
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