Sport Unlimited Cape Classic - Day 1
posted by Gareth White on 21st March 2008
The 2008,
Sport Unlimited Cape Classic, kicked off at
The Hoek, in Noordhoek, in what can only be described as the best conditions one could ever ask for, for the running of a contest. Solid 4 to 6 foot, bowling, hollow lefts and rights were the order of the day and competitors took full advantage, boosting some amazing manoeuvres off of the plentiful sections.
The event, which is the first stop on the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA), National tour, is being organised by the Western Province Bodyboarding Association, who have chosen to run the contest in a roaming venue format, which basically translates into - wherever the best waves are on the day is where the contest will be held.
“Today was a huge success and we have been blessed by these amazing conditions. We got good waves today and that is what bodyboarding is all about”, commented WPBA Chairman, Deon Meyer after the event.
The day began with the running of the Pro Division in good 3 to 4 foot conditions during the low tide. Riders who excelled in the early stages, making it through to the Quarter Finals were - locals Jonathan Maritz, Chris Elliot, Sacha Specker and David Lilienfeld, as well as, Justin Lindsay, Duart MacClean, Dane Beales and Cobus Bosman. The biggest upset of the Pro Division thus far has to be the early elimination of current South African Pro Division Champ, David Lee.
Following in the footsteps of the Pro’s were the Juniors Division competitors, who took to the water for two qualifying heats. Those making it through were - Heinrich van Rooyen, Jason Selby and Wesley Theron.
The Drop Knee Division competitors seemed to have left their lucky charms at home and entered the water as the tide began to push, causing long lulls between sets. Riders spoke of tough take offs due to the steep pitch of the wave and many received serious beatings during their heats. Aden Kleeve used his local knowledge to the best of his advantage and scored one of the deepest DK barrels I have seen in a long time, followed by a snappy reverse spin on his way out and with it he qualified for the Quarter Finals. Other riders making it through were - Paul Morkel, Ross Painter, Bernard Hoogendijk, Josh Kleeve, Ryno Turketti, Wesley Potts and Robert Starke.
Next up were the Boys Division qualifiers and in typical fashion the swell arrived in droves, increasing in frequency and size throughout their heats. Tough times lay ahead and many beat-downs were incurred in the brave attempts to tame the sizeable swell. Andre Blignaut busted such a picture prefect roll that it had most of the beach cheering at his achievement - a company even approached him afterwards to ask him whether or not he was sponsored such was the level of the manoeuvre. Needless to say Andre made it through to the Semi Finals. Other riders on their way to the Semi’s are – Charl Vlok, Ethan Koopmans, Dylan Maeder, Gustav Lilienfeld and Storm Prestwich.
The Mens Division was as competitive as always and they used the increasing swell size to their advantage putting on a solid display of bodyboarding. Standout rides came from Wesley Potts, who pushed the other competitors in his heat by landing manoeuvre after manoeuvre on the biggest sets, Jamie Higgins and recently returned, Henkus Loubser. Following them through to the Semi Finals were - Ian Thurtell Darryn Campbell and Bernard Hoogendijk.
Last up we had Round 2 of the Juniors Division, of which the highlights are far too many to mention, so to the guys I miss, I apologise. For me the performance of the day has to go to David Lilienfeld, who by my count, pulled a solid, clean invert, followed shortly there after by a clean ARS, then by a boosted roll and another clean ARS - all in the same heat. He certainly had the beach cheering. Other riders who will accompany him to the Quarter Finals are - Janek Ferrandi, Dane Beales, Andro Kohn, Jarret Johnson, Andrew Raath, Chris van der Westhuizen, James McClure, Jonathan Mellish, Jason Selby, Jayden Alford-Loots, Kyle Wilson, Aden Kleeve, Gareth Kaatze, Chris Elliot and Eugene Meyer.
“It is great to see the older, more experienced guys like Sascha Taljaard, Jason Boddy and Henkus Loubser getting back into the bodyboarding scene and helping out with the judging. We have had a great contest thus far, never before have I seen competitors so amped at a contest. There is an amazing vibe on the beach and none of us can wait for tomorrow. Well done to the WPBA for pulling this one off!” commented SABA chairman, Sally Mellish on the contest.
The second day of the 2008,
Sport Unlimited Cape Classic is due to be held at
Caves in
Koel Baai in the
Boland.
NB - To all competitors and spectators: -
The Two Oceans marathon starts at 6:30am. The start of the race is on Newlands Main Road and runs through to Fish Hoek, over Chapmans Peak, into Hout Bay, up and over Constantia Neck and ends on the UCT rugby fields.
Please make sure that you leave early enough if you live in these areas because the effected roads in the Southern Suburbs will be closed from 06:00am!
And remember that the WPBA will be providing a bus service, free to competitors, to and from the venue. The bus will be leaving the V&A Waterfront, next to the newly developed area (near toy store infront of main shopping complex), in the bus parking area, at 07:00am sharp tomorrow morning, so don't be late if you want a free ride!
For more information on the Sport Unlimited Cape Classic please contact WPBA Contest Director,
Jamie Higgins on,
072 236 2788 or call the
WPBA hotline in order to find out where the contest is being held,
079 737 7403.
The WPBA would like to thank the event sponsors.
Sport Unlimited,
Spur Steak Ranches,
Science Bodyboards,
Reef Wetsuits,
BondiBlu,
Sanuk and
Aloe Up for their support.
3394 views
Comments
