Plett Attracts Top Bodyboarders This July
posted by Olivia Jones on 21st June 2005
SABA Wedge Classic
5A Rated South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) sanctioned event
Sponsored by: FNB, Custom X, Robberg Seafoods and Ocean Life
The Wedge, Plettenberg Bay – Southern Cape
5 to 8 July, 2005
Plettenberg Bay has attracted a host of the country’s top bodyboarders as well as an international contingent to compete in the 11th annual SABA Wedge Classic which takes place from 5 to 8 July boasting a prize purse of R22 500.
The SABA Wedge Classic is the third event on the national circuit which counts towards the crowning of the year end champions in the Pro, Boys, Juniors, Men, Women, Masters, Drop knee, Under 12 boys, Under 16 girls and Development divisions.
Carrying a whopping 5A rating, the event is organised by Wave Crest Distributors (WCD) and is expected to draw over 150 entries. Defending Pro Champion Vaughn Harris (Tsitsikama) has confirmed that he will be back to stake his claim as will 2004 finalists Marc Jucker (PE) and Jonathon Maritz (CT).
Brandon Foster (California) and Spencer Skipper (USA) are amongst the international campaigners who will converge on the Wedge to do battle against the country’s best local crew.
A first class line up of female riders includes former world champion Karla Costa-Taylor (Brazil) who will be up against local girl Lyndal Pells as well as the usual finalists like Robyn Sorenson (Dbn), defending champion Pamela Bowren (PE) and 2004 National Team member Inge Pieters (Southern KZN).
All eyes will be on Terence Pieters (Southern KZN) in the Boy’s division while Adam Morley (Mossel Bay) and Jared Houston (CT) are tipped to excel in Juniors. Evergreen bodyboarders Steven Polinski (CT) and Mike van Huysteen (Gauteng) will be neck and neck in their bid for the coveted Masters title.
Wedge riders to watch out for include hardened locals Wayne Craig and 2004 Pro finalist Samuel Kamffer; Pro riders Ryan Edwards and Kobus Oosthuizen; talented Juniors Jaandrey Vosloo and Warren Samuels as well as stylish drop knee rider Chris Bosman.
The SABA Wedge Classic does not only focus on established bodyboarders but has always included a popular development programme. Top SA and international bodyboarders in conjunction with WCD will stage development clinics to promote the sport at a grass roots level with food and refreshments provided by Cool Bananas. On 6 July 20 youngsters from a local township will be invited to participate in a free WCD Development Coaching Clinic where they will be taught vital skills about ocean awareness and learning to ride waves. On Thursday 7 July WCD is running a two hour Coaching Clinic open to all members of the public at R60 per person which includes an extremely generous product hamper. Space is limited to 50 riders so all aspiring bodyboarders or riders at an intermediate level must contact Wayne Craig on 083 463 7102 or Steve Polinski on 082 573 3173 to enrol.
Experienced SABA bodyboarding judge Sascha Taljaard is holding a course during the event open to anyone keen to learn more about the art of judging major events; for more information please contact Pat Harris on 082 973 2096.
In addition to the main bodyboarding tournament there will be an Evals Expression Session, volleyball and touch rugby on the beach, action cricket or soccer on the evening of 6 July (at 6pm) and the much anticipated DVD Premiere evening for Brandon Fosters Road Warriors Tour which takes place on 7 July at Cool Bananas from 7.30pm.
SABA and WCD (Wayne Craig and Steve Polinski) would like to thank the following sponsors who have contributed to the success of the event - Arnette Sunglasses, Reef Wetsuits, Reef Brazil, Red Bull and Cool Bananas
Entries close on Thursday 30 June email
[email protected] or call Pat Harris on 082 973 2096; alternatively you can download entry forms off SA’s most informative bodyboarding website:
http://www.sixty40.co.za/?display_contest.php?id=120
The Contest Briefing takes place at Cool Bananas opposite Plettenberg Bay main beach at 7pm Monday 4 July with the Prize Giving taking place on Friday 8 July at 7pm at the same venue. An after party for the over 18’s takes place at VIP.
A special EXCO committee meeting takes place on Wednesday 6 July at 6.30pm at Cool Bananas.
To enquire about accommodation in the area please contact Plett Tourism on 044 533 4065.
Issued on behalf of:
South African Bodyboarding Association (SABA) and WCD
For more information please contact:
Wayne Craig
083 463 7102
Email: [email protected]
Or Steve Polinski
082 573 3173
Email: [email protected]
Issued by:
Olivia Jones Communications
082 537 8840
Email: [email protected]
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