Record Turnout For Margate Bodyboarding Tournament
posted by Olivia Jones on 3rd April 2004
Wimpy Rossi Pro-Am
4A Rated South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) event
Margate Beach, Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast – Durban, South Africa
April 3-4, 2004
A record number of 150 bodyboarders converged on Margate main beach today for the 4A rated Wimpy/ Rossi Pro-Am that took place in 3-4ft surf on the KZN south coast. This is the highest number of entries in over five years for a South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) tournament and a historic amount for this event which is in its eighth year. Talented Uvongo lifeguard Derek Footit was the clear standout in the pro division on day one claiming a perfect 10 that guaranteed his place in tomorrow’s quarterfinals. The women, men and masters will take to the water for the first time on Sunday. This popular tournament has prizes valued at over R25 000 supplied by Wimpy Margate, Rossi Bodyboards, Island Style and South Africa’s top bodyboarding website www.sixty40.co.za.
Footit set the pace for the pro’s but national team riders Darren Halse (Amanzimtoti) and Vaughn Harris (Southern Cape) seemed unaffected by jet lag having just returned from competing at the World Surfing Games in Ecuador and both are safely through to the quarterfinals. International bodyboarder, Juan Castilla, from Chile was ousted out of the event after being penalised for a paddling interference. Number one Pro seed Sacha Specker (CT), defending champion Philip Rodrigues (Dbn), fourth seeded Mark McCarthy (Zululand), Cape Classic winner Jonathon Maritz (CT) and reigning SA champ Craig Maree (Dbn) secured predictable victories on the opening day confirming their hunger for the first prize of R3 200 and 1 500 valuable SABA points. Former national team member Paul Sartorious (Dbn) embarked on a comeback trail following a two year break due to a shoulder injury; seasoned bodyboarder Sartorious put up a strong fight but was eliminated.
A few upsets occurred in the highly competitive drop knee division where bodyboarders ride in a kneeling stance as opposed to lying prone on their boards. Top rated riders Specker and Hankus Loubser (CT) fell by the wayside leaving the door wide open for favourites like Sasha Taljaard (Dbn).
The vast amount of entries serves as a positive reminder that the sport is once again rising in popularity. With 64 heats crammed over two days the contest officials were exhausted fortunately Wimpy Margate came to their rescue with refreshments and food over the course of the day. Divisions include boys, juniors, men, women, masters, drop knee, under 12 boys, under 16 girls and development.
The Wimpy Rossi Pro-Am is the third event on the hotly contested 2004 SABA circuit. The tournament is hosted by the Southern KZN Bodyboarding Association.
Issued on behalf of:
South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA)
Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal Bodyboarding Contact:
Wayne Beekman (Chairman)
082 822 1825
Email: [email protected]
Issued by:
Olivia Jones Media Communications
082 537 8840
Email: [email protected]
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