Caves Delivers on first day of Cape Classic
posted by Gareth White on 3rd April 2009
The first day of the Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic was held today at Caves, near Gordons Bay in competitive 2 to 4 foot surf under azure skies and without so much as a breathe of wind for most of the day.
Although longish lulls sometimes plagued certain heats there were more than enough barrels and bowls for riders to push their limits and impress the judges - making today a day to be remembered.
The day began in some of the better surf seen on the day with the running of the qualifying rounds of the various divisions.
First in the water were the Pro's and as always they were quick to impress. Caves local Tomas Degenaar, began his heat well and proved just how valuable local know how could be when he scored one of the best barrel rides of the day and went on to qualify for the Quarter finals along with Matthew Mayberry.
Next up we had current SA Champ, Mark McCarthy, facing off against youngster and definite future prospect, Storm Prestwich. Now lets face it, Mark's riding is near flawless and any one of us would be intimidated by having to face him in competition. Mark was busting perfect back flips and pretty much owning each wave he rode, but this didn't deter Storm, who took the initiative and busted probably the sweetest ARS of the day just minutes after Mark's flip. Both rightfully advanced into the Quarters.
Throughout the day there were numerous highlights, such as Mark Watts' sweet air revo, yet another thrilling barrel ride that just seemed to last an eternity from McCarthy and PE local, Warren Canepa's excellence on the knee.
Combine those with an array of Air Roll Spin combo's landed by too many names to mention and you have a classic event.
Tomorrows leg is more than likely to be held at Caves once again due to a severe lack of swell on the Atlantic side. To say that it looks like a lake would be an understatement!
A massive thank you must go out to all the riders and their parents who assisted with the setting up of the venue. Without you it would have been impossible for the event to have run as it did. The sincerest of thank you's to all of you from the entire WPBA committee.
An even bigger thank you has to go to Ross Painter from Sport Unlimited for being such a legend. You know why.
The WPBA will be assisted tomorrow by the Son Surf association who will be helping with the basic running of the contest and providing free coffee to take the chill off of the morning air.
There will also be a development clinic for underprivileged children who without your support might never experience the joy you have found in bodyboarding. This clinic has been sponsored by The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, who have kindly donated R17 000 to the development of bodyboarding in the Western Cape. It would be wonderful if some of the competitors would assist in guiding one or two of the youngsters through the basics of bodyboarding and water safety.
The Juniors division will be the first in the water tomorrow at 8am so please be there well in advance because we cannot afford to wait for you.
The Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic 09 is brought to you by Sport Unlimited and Spur Steak Ranches in association with Ocean Minded and supported by The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Reef Wetsuits, Science Bodyboards, Arnette sunglasses, Bondi Blu and Aloe Up.
Sport Unlimited/Spur Cape Classic Heat Sheats 2760 views
Comments
 | Matthew Botha
4th April 2009 15:18 |
| Well done Mossel Bay crew on day 1! |
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