McCarthy heads home to compete in Classic.
posted by Gareth White on 26th March 2009
The stage is set for one of South Africa's biggest bodyboarding contests of the year, The 4A rated, Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic 2009, due to take place in Cape Town from, 2 to 5 April.
The event, which is the first stop on the South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA), tour is being organized by the Western Province Bodyboarding Association (WPBA), in association with Ocean Minded, will play host to South Africa's finest bodyboarders as they compete for top honours and their share of prizes to the value of R60 000.
R15000 of which was kindly donated by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport!
One such rider is current SA Pro Champ, Mark McCarthy, 25, from Richards Bay, who will be jetting in from Australia in order to compete.
McCarthy, who currently holds 5th place on the International Bodyboarding Association (IBA), World Tour, said that coming home would be a welcome relief from the strain of constant travel associated with the tour.
"One of the biggest attractions to competing in the event was the quality of waves surfed last year as a result of the contest being held with a roaming venue", said McCarthy.
By using the "roaming venue" method of holding a contest the organisers are able to take advantage of the diverse scope of the Cape peninsula, which usually offers favorable swell and winds at one or more beaches along the coast.
"Cape Town is an amazing place with so many different venues and no matter which wind blows you will always find somewhere that's offshore. So I am sure there will be good conditions as long as there is swell", added McCarthy.
According to WPBA Chairman, Deon Meyer, bodyboarding is best done on steep, hollow waves that offer riders a ramp like end to their ride so that they can perform the spectacular aerial maneuvers that professional bodyboarding has become renowned for.
"The level of competition at SABA events is World Class and we will do our best to ensure that only best waves are ridden in order to showcase bodyboarding as the spectacular sport it is", said Meyer.
McCarthy's eyes are now focused on claiming his maiden victory in the SABA tour Pro division, besides his win at last years SA Champs, as it has always been one of his goals.
Having been away for almost 5 months Mark is looking forward to spending time with family as well as tucking into a good old fashioned South African steak, before continuing the IBA World Tour in June.
The Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic 2009 is proudly brought to you in association with Ocean Minded and supported by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Arnette sunglasses, Reef Wetsuits, Science Bodyboards, Bondi Blu and Aloe Up.
For further information please call WPBA Media Liaison, Gareth White, on 072 740 4225 or SABA Contest Director, Pat Harris, on 082 863 6665
Entries into the event close on Monday, 30 March, at 13:00.
To enter the contest please
CLICK HERE to go to the contest page where you can access the online entry form by clicking on the tab found in the middle of the screen.
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